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A parametric windtunnel test on rotorcraft aerodynamics and aeroacoustics (Helishape) — test procedures and representative results

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

K.-J. Schultz
Affiliation:
DLR, Braunschweig, Goettingen, Germany
W. Splettstoesser
Affiliation:
DLR, Braunschweig, Goettingen, Germany
B. Junker
Affiliation:
DLR, Braunschweig, Goettingen, Germany
W. Wagner
Affiliation:
DLR, Braunschweig, Goettingen, Germany
E. Schoell
Affiliation:
Eurocopter Deutschland, Ottobrunn, Germany
E. Mercker
Affiliation:
DNW, Emmeloord, The Netherlands
K. Pengel
Affiliation:
DNW, Emmeloord, The Netherlands
G. Arnaud
Affiliation:
Eurocopter France, Marignane, France
D. Fertis
Affiliation:
ALFAPI, Athens, Greece

Abstract

Within the framework of a major European co-operative research project on rotorcraft aerodynamics and acoustics (Helishape), a parametric model rotor test was conducted in the open test section of the DNW using DLR's MWM test rig, and a highly instrumented model of a fully articulated ECF rotor equipped with blades of advanced design with two exchangeable blade tips. One set of blade tips (7A) was rectangular, while the other (7AD1) was a swept-back parabolic-anhedral shape. The objectives of this experimental research were to evaluate noise reduction techniques (conceptionally by variation of rotor speed, dedicated tip shapes and advanced aerofoils, as well as operationally, by identifying low noise, BVI-minimising, descent procedures) and to validate the partners’ aerodynamic and aeroacoustic codes. A comprehensive set of simultaneous acoustic and aerodynamic blade surface pressure data and blade dynamic and performance data was measured. In addition, valuable information on the tip-vortex geometry and blade-vortex miss distance was obtained by LLS flow visualisation. The experimental equipment, the test procedures, and the test matrix are briefly described. A survey of the main results is presented and the trends of the most important parameter variations for both rotors are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1997 

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