ESICAPIA

In ESICAPIA an aerodynamic characterization of a Green Regional Aircraft configuration comprising laminar-flow technology as well as rear-mounted turbofans was performed by means of wind-tunnel tests, with a special emphasis on innovative solutions for high-lift devices.

In order to perform the test-activities specific requirements for the tests and the WT-model needed to be defined. Due to the fact that the model is large (span of 4.9m) all activities needed to be planned with care including logistics onsite in the WT. The WT was chosen to be the RUAG Large-Wind Tunnel in Emmen.
During the project IBK designed a wind-tunnel model with a strong emphasis on reducing time for configurational changes. This included solutions for actuated devices, which could work together with a hinge-moment measurement solution.

To optimize and de-risk activities the design and manufacturing of the ESICAPIA-Model all activities were performed in strong cooperation with the EASIER project thus taking into account acoustic requirements, like

  • Different configuration in the WT (dorsal vs. ventral), model needs to be rotated.
  • Landing-gear bay to be realized in a way that is representative of real acoustics were taken into account upfront and did not lead to a design solution that would impact either test.

Due to the replacement of the initial model manufacturer, a project adaptation was necessary. As a result, the model was simplified, thus removing control-device actuation. The model was delivered to the Wind-Tunnel in Emmen in Q4/2016.
After model availability the tests were performed in the RUAG-Wind-Tunnel using a test-matrix, including both powered and unpowered tests, jointly defined together with the Topic Manager. The Wind-Tunnel tests were performed as planned, allowing a characterization of the noise acting on the wing and analyzing the effect of low-noise technologies developed with the GRA-consortium.
As a final outcome the project can present the aerodynamic characterization of the GRA-configuration.

In order to achieve this a consortium of four partners was build and implemented. These four partners are:

  • University of Bristol for loads-calculations, data post-processing and dynamic characterization.
  • RUAG for developing an engine simulator allowing to simulate the rear-mounted turbofan.
  • EUROTECH (replacing the initial consortium member REVOIND).
  • IBK-Innovation in charge of project management and model design and data post-processing.