Experimental and Analytical Evaluation on the Effects of the Boundary Layer Ingestion (BLI) Using a Simple Engine/Airframe Integration Model

Abstract

The benefit of Boundary Layer Ingestion (BLI) was evaluated by wind tunnel test and analysis. Using a simple engine/airframe model which is composed of an airfoil based on NACA0012, an electric fan and an electric motor, wind tunnel test was conducted. Net streamwise force and electric power were mainly measured. Based on the power balance method originally described by Drela, the concept of conversion efficiency was added to separate demerit of BLI. By using conversion efficiency, mechanical power was changed to electrical power and making it easy to understand benefit of BLI. This analytical method was fit with experimental data and well represent BLI benefit. At cruise condition in 40m/s, BLI configuration needs lower 7.66% electrical power than nonBLI configuration.