Real-time integrated turboprop take-off model under propeller-wing interaction

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to build a real-time integrated turboprop take-off model which fully takes the interaction between diverse parts of aircraft into consideration. Turboprops have the advantage of short take-off distance derived from propeller-wing interaction. Traditional turboprop take-off model is inappropriate because interactions between diverse parts of aircrafts are not fully considered or longer calculation time is required. To make full use of the advantage of short take-off distance, a real-time integrated take-off model is needed for analysing flight performance and developing an integrated propeller-engine-aircraft control system. Design/methodology/approach A new integrated three-degree-of-freedom take-off model is developed, which takes a modified propeller model, a wing model and the predominant propeller-wing interaction into account. The propeller model, based on strip theory, overcomes the shortage that the strip theory does not work if the angle of propeller axis and inflow velocity is non-zero. The wing model uses the lifting line method. The proposed propeller-wing interaction model simplifies the complex propeller-wing flow field. Simulations of ATR42 take-off model are conducted in the following three modes: propeller-wing interaction is ignored; influence of propeller on wing is considered only; and propeller-wing interaction is considered. Findings Comparison of take-off distances and flight parameters shows that propeller-wing interaction has a vital impact on take-off distance and flight parameters of turboprops. Practical implications The real-time integrated take-off model provides time-history flight parameters, which plays an important role in an integrated propeller-engine-aircraft control system to analyse and improve flight performance. Originality/value The real-time integrated take-off model is more precise because propeller-wing interaction is considered. Each calculation step costs less than 20 ms, which meets real-time calculation requirements. The modified propeller model overcomes the shortage of strip theory.