Exergy-Based Performance Assessment of the NASA Common Research Model

Abstract

Aircraft have evolved into extremely complex systems that require adapted methodologies and tools for efficient design processes. A theoretical formulation based on exergy management has been recently proposed by Arntz et al. for assessing the aerothermopropulsive performance of future aircraft configurations. The present article focuses on the validation of its numerical implementation in a FORTRAN code for the postprocessing of Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes flow solutions. The flow around the wing-body NASA Common Research Model is assessed in terms of anergy destruction. A 2 MW work potential associated with the lift-induced vortices is identified in the wake of the airplane. Subsequently, a six-level grid convergence study enables determining the robustness and accuracy of the exergy postprocessing code. The introduction and calibration of a numerical correction allows to account for the spurious numerical vortex dissipation and to obtain an accuracy similar to the traditional near-field drag method. Finally, the postprocessing code is validated for drag prediction against computational fluid dynamics and experimental wind-tunnel data.