Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Assessment of a Three-Propeller DEP Configuration: Insights from the VENUS Project

In response to the evolving landscape of urban air mobility, there has been a concerted effort from both academia and industry to explore sustainable solutions such as distributed propulsion systems. This shift in focus has prompted a deeper examination of the implications associated with these innovative configurations. The VENUS project is at the forefront of this exploration, aiming to develop advanced techniques and tools to enable a holistic design approach for aircraft incorporating distributed electric propulsion. At its core, the project seeks to advance the understanding of how aerodynamics and aeroacoustics can be optimized simultaneously. By doing so, it aims to contribute to the development of a novel regional aircraft layout, strategically aligning wing and engine configurations to maximize both aerodynamic efficiency and acoustic performance. A key aspect of the project is its commitment to transparency and collaboration. All models, data, and documentation generated throughout the study will be made openly accessible, fostering collaboration and innovation within the broader European scientific community. This approach establishes a unique "open test case" that serves as a valuable resource for aircraft design research. Central to the project’s experimental phase is a meticulously crafted model wing, equipped with a flap and propelled by three electric motor-driven propellers. The geometry of these propellers has been optimized through a rigorous process, balancing aeroacoustic considerations with aerodynamic constraints. The testing campaign, conducted in the Pininfarina wind tunnel, encompasses comprehensive measurements of acoustic, aerodynamic, and wall pressure parameters. Furthermore, to address acoustic concerns, the project has incorporated optimized liner designs into the wing structure. Throughout the experimental tests, a range of variables have been systematically varied, including blade pitch settings, angle of attack sweeps, flap configurations for take-off and landing, phase differentials between propellers, and variations in relative distances between propellers and the wing. This article serves as an introductory overview of the VENUS project, providing insights into its objectives and methodologies, as well as preliminary findings from the wind tunnel experiments.