The Use of a Powered Model for Subsonic Nacelle Optimization

The continual demands for improved technology aircraft propulsion systems require refined wind tunnel model testing techniques to more closely simulate full-scale performance. Toward this end a test program was conducted using a subsonic powered nacelle model to statistically investigate the effect of key geometrical variables on nacelle pressure drag. A comparison of test results with analytical prediction techniques is presented, along with the effects of various design parameters on drag. The advantage of powered nacelle models for obtaining subsonic nacelle pressure drag information is also included.