Numerical Investigation of Over-the-Wing Propeller Aircraft Aerodynamics Using a Medium-Fidelity Vortex and Panel Method

This paper presents a detailed aerodynamic analysis of the Over-the-Wing Propeller (OTWP) configurations based on the wing and propeller model utilized in the X-57 Maxwell project, employing a medium-fidelity vortex and panel method. The position of the propeller is systematically varied in both the chordwise and vertical directions to assess the sensitivity of aerodynamic performance to propeller position. The analysis reveals that a chordwise location between 20--40\% of the chord and a vertical distance of 10\% of the chord yield the optimal aerodynamic performance. When compared with the conventional tractor-type front-mounted propeller configuration, the OTWP demonstrates similar or superior aerodynamic performance, depending on the angle of attack. Furthermore, the aerodynamic benefits of the OTWP configuration are more pronounced at lower flight speeds and lower propeller advance ratios, where the coupling between the propeller-induced flow and the wing surface is the highest.