Concept validation study for fuselage wake-filling propulsion integration

Paper in proceeding, 2018

The present paper provides an overview together with intermediate results of the work-in-progress research performed in the EC-funded Horizon 2020 collaborative project CENTRELINE (“ConcEpt validatioN sTudy foR fusElage wake-filLIng propulsioN integration”), aiming at demonstrating the proof of concept for a groundbreaking approach to synergistic propulsion-airframe integration, the so-called Propulsive Fuselage Concept (PFC). The concept features a turbo-electrically driven propulsive device integrated in the very aft-section of the fuselage, dedicated to the purpose of fuselage wake-filling. Currently at TRL 1-2, CENTRELINE's target is to mature the technological key features of the PFC to TRL 3-4. The core of the targeted proof-of-concept is formed by two experimental test campaigns supported by high-fidelity 3D numerical simulation and integrated multidisciplinary design optimisation techniques for aerodynamics, aero-structures as well as the energy and propulsion system.