Numerical Investigation of Swirl Recovery from a Transonic Propeller with Swirl Recovery Vanes

This research investigates the propeller - stator configuration containing eight bladed transonic rotor and a stator with ten blades as Swirl Recovery Vanes (SRVs) in order to improve the efficiency of propeller propulsion systems. By incorporating SRVs behind the propeller, the study aims to decrease rotational kinetic energy losses, ultimately enhancing aerodynamic performance. The primary goal is to reduce swirl, resulting in a 4.46% increase in power coefficient. The approach entails employing potential-based design methodologies in conjunction with time-accurate Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations. The simulations were validated through comparisons between the numerical and analytical slipstream data. Further enhancement of additional thrust of 23N and improvement in the efficiency of the propeller by 3.47% during cruise phase is achieved. Also, the results indicated a potential increase in the overall propulsive efficiency of the propeller – SRV combination to an extent of up to 3.46%. These improvements are achieved by varying the pitch distribution of the SRVs to enhance swirl recovery. Adjusting the pitch has demonstrated an increase in these gains by enhancing the swirl recovery of the rotor. The flow in the propeller slipstream leads to the emergence of unsteady phenomenon on the vanes. Design modifications to the swirl recovery vanes are deemed necessary for achieving further improvement in these configurations.