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Hovering rotor computations using an aeroelastic blade model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2016

F. Dehaeze  and
G. N. Barakos
F. Dehaeze
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
G. N. Barakos*
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
*
[email protected]
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Abstract

In this paper, helicopter rotor blades are analysed in hover using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupled with a structural model. The method relies on a mesh deformation algorithm that allows for exchange of forces and deformations between a beam-based finite-element model and the fluid flow volume mesh. The method is demonstrated against experimental data, and the aerodynamic predictions appear to improve when the aeroelastic model is used. For all employed cases the flexibility of the method allows the CFD mesh deformation to be spread over the computational domain in a controlled fashion. The influence of the aeroelastic deformations on the blade loads was limited yet evident on the rotor performance. The lack of adequate test cases and experiments for validation of CFD/CSD methods is also highlighted.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 116 , Issue 1180 , June 2012 , pp. 621 - 649
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2012 

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