CFD-Methods for the Design Process of High-Lift-Configurations

Summary

The design process of high-lift systems for transport aircraft configurations is not only based on requirements of field performance and the shape of the cruise-wing, but also on structure and system-technology [1]. Due to the complexity of the flow around a 3D high-lift wing its aerodynamic design depends mainly on wind-tunnel experiments, although CFD-methods are starting to play an important role. Different CFD-methods are used at DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Airbus in the high-lift-system design according to the complexity of the stage of development. The shaping of the multielement profiles is based on 2D-methods. For comparison of the performance of different designs, the characteristics of the high-lift wings are predicted by using a quasi-3D-method. For chosen designs calculations with a full 3D-method are performed to evaluate the effects on the complex high-lift-configuration with fuselage, engine/pylon, etc.