In order to study to the performance of general aviation aircraft with respect to various safety exceedances, an accurate estimate of thrust is needed for the entire range of aircraft operation. Several engine and propeller modeling techniques are examined, and a thrust model incorporating an Otto cycle analysis for engine performance and modified Hamilton Standard method for propeller performance is described. Other modeling concerns regarding model convergence and suitability to a wide range of operating condition is also discussed. The developed thrust model is validated using the performance of a Cessna 172S as a representative general aviation aircraft. During validation, it is shown that the trends of RPM and fuel to air ratio are consistent with expected, real-world performance of the Cessna 172S.
Harrison, E., Min, S., Jimenez, H. and Mavris, D. N., “Implementation and Validation of an Internal Combustion Engine and Propeller Model for General Aviation Aircraft Performance Studies”, Aviation 2015, AIAA, Dallas, TX, http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/6.2015-2850