Ducted Fans for Aircraft Propulsion

Researchers discuss the construction of the airfoil model with over-wing ducted fans. (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)l

One alternative aircraft propulsion technology being explored is an array of electrically powered ducted fans distributed across the wing span or integrated into the wing. Researchers are studying the cross-communication – or cross coupling – between the aircraft engine’s RPM and the airflow characteristics about the airplane wing.

The researchers learned how that coupling between ducted fan systems and wing sections will modify the aerodynamic behavior and the overall lift, drag, and pitching moment characteristics.

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