It is envisaged that the next generation of civil large turbofan engines will be designed for greater bypass ratios when compared to contemporary architectures. The underlying motivation is to reduce specific thrust and improve propulsive efficiency. Concurrently, the aerodynamic performance of the exhaust system is anticipated to play a key role in the success of future engine architectures. The transonic flow topology downstream of the bypass nozzle can be significantly influenced by the after-body geometry. This behavior is further complicated by the existence of the air-flow vent on the nozzle after-body which can have an impact on the performance of the exhaust system. This paper aims to investigate the aerodynamics associated with the geometry of the bypass nozzle after-body and to establish guidelines for the design of separate-jet exhausts with respect to future large turbofan engines. A parametric geometry definition has been derived based on Class-Shape Transformation (CST) functions for the representation of post-nozzle-exit components such as after-bodies, plugs, and air-flow vents. The developed method has been coupled with an automatic mesh generation and a Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) flow solution method, thus devising an integrated aerodynamic design tool. A cost-effective optimization strategy has been implemented consisting of methods for Design Space Exploration (DSE), Response Surface Modeling (RSM), and Genetic Algorithms (GAs). The combined approach has been deployed to explore the aerodynamic design space associated with the bypass nozzle after-body geometry for a Very High Bypass Ratio (VHBR) turbofan engine with separate-jet exhausts. A detailed investigation has been carried out to expose the transonic flow mechanisms associated with the effect of after-body curvature combined with the impact of the air-flow vent. A set of optimum curved after-body geometries has been obtained, with each subsequently compared against their respective conical representation. The obtained results suggest that no significant performance improvements can be obtained through curving the nozzle after-body relative to the case of a conical design. However, it is shown that the application of surface curvature has the potential to unlock new parts in the design space that allow analysts to reduce the required after-body length without any loss in aerodynamic performance. The developed approach complements the existing tool-set of enabling technologies for the design and optimization of future large aero-engines, consequently leading to increased thrust and reduced Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC)

This paper presents an integrated approach, targeting the comprehensive assessment of combined helicopter engine designs within designated operations. The developed methodology comprises a series of individual modeling theories, each applicable to a different aspect of helicopter flight dynamics and performance. These relate to rotor blade modal analysis, three-dimensional flight path definition, flight dynamics trim solution, aeroelasticity, and engine performance. The individual mathematical models are elaborately integrated within a numerical procedure, solving for the total mission fuel consumption. The overall simulation framework is applied to the performance analysis of the Aérospatiale SA330 helicopter within two generic, twin-engine medium helicopter missions. An extensive comparison with flight test data on main rotor trim controls, power requirements, and unsteady blade structural loads is presented. It is shown that, for the typical range of operating conditions encountered by modern twin-engine medium civil helicopters, the effect of operational altitude on fuel consumption is predominantly influenced by the corresponding effects induced on the engine rather than on airframe rotor performance. The implications associated with the implicit coupling between aircraft and engine performance are discussed in the context of mission analysis. The potential to comprehensively evaluate integrated helicopter engine systems within complete three-dimensional operations using modeling fidelity designated for main rotor design applications is demonstrated. The proposed method essentially constitutes an enabler in terms of focusing the rotorcraft design process on designated operation types rather than on specific sets of flight conditions.