Aerodynamic Optimization and Fuel Burn Evaluation of a Transonic Strut-Braced-Wing Single-Aisle Aircraft.

This paper presents an assessment of the potential fuel burn savings offered by the transonic strut-braced-wing configuration within the single-aisle class of aircraft relative to a modern conventional tube-and-wing aircraft through aerodynamic shape optimization based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. A representative strut-braced-wing aircraft is first developed through conceptual multidisciplinary design optimization based on the Airbus A320neo, with current technology levels assumed. A concept for the conventional tube-and-wing configuration is also developed to represent the Airbus A320neo as a performance baseline. Single-point aerodynamic shape optimization is then performed on wing-body-tail models of each aircraft to address aerodynamic design challenges and to provide more accurate performance estimates. Results indicate that shock formation can be mitigated from the wing-strut junction of the strut-braced wing at Mach 0.78 and a relatively high design lift coefficient of 0.750, providing an 8.2% reduction in block fuel over a 1000 n mile nominal mission when compared to the conventional tube-and-wing aircraft. Multipoint aerodynamic shape optimization is then performed to build toward a more credible estimate of fuel burn performance, with results showing a reduction in the fuel burn savings to 7.8% at the nominal design point relative to the conventional tube-and-wing aircraft to maintain a 7.6-8.0% improvement over the envelope of operating conditions, which includes design points at even higher Mach numbers and lift coefficients. These results demonstrate the viability of the transonic strut-braced-wing configuration for transport aircraft within the single-aisle class and its potential for reducing commercial fleet fuel burn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]