Aerodynamic analysis of an over-the-wing engine-mount aircraft

Aerodynamic characteristics of an over-the-wing engine-mount (OTWEM) aircraft are analyzed computationally. A computational fluid dynamics code known as STAR-CCM+ is used to generate computational meshes and compute the flow properties of the OTWEM configuration. Optimal location of the nacelle relative to the wing is determined by examining the values of lift-to-drag ratio for various nacelle locations under cruise conditions. Calculations for unpowered conditions are also conducted to investigate the effect of engine operating condition on aerodynamic performance.;The results show that drag is minimized if the nacelle front face is located at 75% chord from the wing leading edge due to shock wave diminishment. However, the best lift-to-drag ratio is obtained if the nacelle front face is located at mid-chord of the wing and far above the wing surface. It is also found that the engine operating conditions have little effect on the flow.