Euler analysis of a swirl recovery vane design for use with an advanced single-rotation propfan

Recent work has demonstrated the propulsive efficiency improvement available from single- and counter-rotation propfans as compared with current technology high bypass ratio turbofans. The concept known as swirl recovery vanes (SRV) is examined through the use of a 3-D Euler code. At high speed cruise conditions, the SRV can improve the efficiency level of a single-rotation propfan, but a concern is to have adequate hub choke margin. The SRV was designed with 2-D methods and was predicted to have hub choking at Mach 0.8 cruise. The 3-D Euler analysis properly accounts for sweep effects and 3-D relief, and predicts that at cruise the SRV will recover roughly 5 percent of the 10 percent efficiency loss due to swirl and have a good hub choke margin.