Sink of the boundary layer formed on the outer envelope of an airship into the propulsion system

This study examines the effect of boundary layer ingestion from the outer envelope of an airship into the propulsion system on the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. The interaction between the propeller and the boundary layer on the hull of a soft-type airship is analyzed, with particular attention to various distances between the propeller and the aft section. Experiments were conducted at a freestream velocity of 30 m/s and propeller rotational speeds ranging from 500 to 1000 rpm. The objective of the research is to optimize the aerodynamic characteristics of the airship by leveraging the boundary layer to improve propeller efficiency. The paper presents the experimental model, the numerical simulation methodology, and preliminary results based on an empirical formula for determining propeller diameter, along with the findings of computational analyses. This research is relevant for specialists in aerodynamics, airship design, and the development of lighter-than-air flight systems.