This thesis presents a new medium-fidelity ducted fan analysis code, to bridge the current gap in compressible-flow analysis methods. The existing Multi-passage ThroughFLOW software is integrated into a unified code to extend its capabilities. This unified code forms part of a newly developed ducted fan optimisation framework that utilises a modern genetic algorithm. Validation against experimental data shows a significantly improved accuracy in both thrust and power coefficient modelling compared to currently used panel methods.

The optimisation framework is applied to several case studies, demonstrating the capabilities of the developed tools. Propulsor efficiency improvements up to 10% are obtained, with significant associated frontal area reductions. Single-objective and multi-objective single-point optimisations were demonstrated, and suggestions are made to improve the flight profile multi-point optimisation.

The framework's robustness and computational efficiency can make it suitable for broader applications, including multidisciplinary optimisation and integration into complete aircraft design workflows.
Related dataset 4TU.ResearchData: https://doi.org/10.4121/efc63362-65e5-4c5d-b787-27e44dafa52a