Multi-Fidelity Assessment of the Aerodynamic Performances of Unconventional Aircraft Tail Configurations

We adopt a multi-fidelity approach for investigating the aerodynamic performances of an unconventional “Advanced Rear End” component for the forthcoming generation of ultra-efficient aircraft. Namely, we numerically predict the aerodynamic coefficients of unconventional tail configurations using tools of different fidelity e.g., a mid-fidelity model based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approximation and a low-fidelity model based on the potential flow assumption. Numerical predictions are then compared, in order to assess their reliability with respect to the whole range of expected operating conditions and tail geometrical configurations. In future works, numerical results will be also compared against wind-tunnel experiments planned at the large wind tunnel in Politecnico di Milano.