How big jet engines affect wing aerodynamics at the border of the flight envelope

What is it about?

This study looks at how large jet engines placed under the wing of an airplane can cause unsteady airflow and vibrations on the wing’s lower surface known as buffet. Advanced computer simulations focus on the region between the engine and the fuselage, analyzing the unsteady interaction between shockwaves and turbulent airflow in this area. A hybrid simulation approach is used, combining detailed modeling in critical regions with simpler methods elsewhere, enabling precise results while keeping computational costs manageable. Comparisons with wind tunnel experiments show improved accuracy over traditional methods in simulating the buffet phenomenon.

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Photo by Jacob Stone on Unsplash

Photo by Jacob Stone on Unsplash

Why is it important?

As the aviation industry moves toward larger engines to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, understanding their aerodynamic impact becomes essential. The close placement of ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBR) engines near the wing creates complex airflow interactions that can lead to unsteady excitation, especially at the high speed borders of the envelope. Detailed insights into these phenomena are vital for addressing potential performance degradation. Moreover, perspectively they are essential to avoid safety issues due to fluid-structural coupled excitation phenomena such as buffeting early in the aircraft design process. This study contributes to closing critical knowledge gaps on lower wing buffet effects, supporting the development of more efficient and reliable aircraft designs.

Perspectives