A new aerodynamic open-circuit test rig for studying boundary layer ingestion (BLI) propulsion has been developed by National Research Council of Canada. The purpose is to demonstrate the advantages of BLI in reducing the power required for a given thrust and to validate the performance of BLI fan concepts. The rig consists of a boundary layer generator to simulate boundary layer development over an aircraft fuselage. The boundary layer generator can be used to create a natural boundary layer due to skin friction but also comprises an array of perforated plates through which pressurised air can be blown to manipulate the boundary layer thickness. The size of the boundary layer thickness can be controlled upstream of the fan blades. Parametric studies of boundary layer thickness were then feasible. The test calibration was conducted to validate the concept.
