The Gnosis project deals with the evaluation of novel propulsion systems and configurations. The aim is to develop a holistic understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of different propulsion configurations, taking into account all the disciplines concerned. For this purpose, starting from a 19-seater passenger aircraft, its configuration will be redesigned by novel technologies, such as distributed propulsion, wingtip propulsion or fuselage propulsion. Based on detailed investigations of position, number, propulsion type (hybrid or all-electric) as well as interactions with other components such as the structure, full conclusions about the quality of the modified design will then be drawn.
Within the eight-university consortium, IFAS is responsible for the evaluation and analysis of thrust generation. For this purpose, the in-house tool RAPID is available for propeller design. CFD studies can then be used not only to validate the design but also to investigate the interactions with, for example, the wing. Due to the high complexity of the interactions that occur, optimizers cannot be used for these studies, so sensitivities must be obtained from parameter studies. These can then be used to adapt the propeller design to the respective operating conditions.
Bastian Kirsch, M.Sc.