Russian aerodynamicists at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) are studying
an unusual design concept that they say can cut fuel burn by as much as 10%.
In an 8
September press release, TsAGI shows a picture of the "fuselage in the form of a rotating body with a tail propeller" in the institute's low-speed wind tunnel, where air speed, angle of attack and sideslip angles as well as engine power settings were varied for the work.
The shape of the body, when rotated, apparently causes an aerodynamic interaction with the pusher propeller that reduces the torque needed by the driveshaft to turn the propeller.
TsAGI explains: "As a result of the tests, scientists have identified
the presence of positive aerodynamic interference, which manifests itself
as a drop in the required power of the shaft which drives the propeller to create thrust, compensating for the resistance of the rotating body, located in front of the propeller."
The net result? "Thanks to a reduction in the required propulsion capacity, fuel consumption the aircraft may be reduced by 8-10%," says TsAGI.
on September 15, 2011 9:06 AM | Reply
This could work in a civilian airliner.
The drinks trolley will be pushed to the floor by the centrifugal force - so no problem there.
Work will have to be done on the landings though as that could be a bit tricky.