AERODNYAMIC AND ACOUSTIC OPTIMIZATION IN PROPFAN DESIGN

Integrated design is the main feature of advanced propfan design. From this point of view, methods adopted for aerodynamic and acoustic design of propfan are reviewed, commentson their application in propfan optimization are made, principles of selecting design parameters, such as power loading, number of blades, blade tip speed, airfoil section and shape of nacelle, are considered. The main objects of aerodynamic and acoustic optimization and the possible performance improvements obtained from the optimization are pointed out. The optimization of the blade tip sweep should be determined from both aerodynamic and acousticconsiderations, and the factors which should be taken into account in integrated or single optimization are indicated accordingly.