Establishing Fluid Dynamics Scales Critical to Dynamic Interface Applications and their Impact on Handling Qualities
Abstract
One of the most demanding tasks for naval aviators is landing on a moving flight deck inhigh sea-states (i.e. the dynamic interface (DI) problem - see Figure 1). This task is made evenmore difficult by aerodynamic disturbances at the landing spot from the flow around the shipsbow, superstructure and deck edges. This highly unsteady ship airwake can lead to significantpilot workload. Flight simulation has long been recognized as a valuable tool for augmentingengineering development and pilot training in DI operations, however, it is most effective whenthe underlying simulation model has appropriately characterized the complex aerodynamicinteractions between the rotorcraft and ship airwake. Given the complexity of the problem, afundamental difficulty when assessing the simulation approaches is the quantification of goodenough, both from the standpoint of understanding and predicting the underlying physics andalso with regards to trainer fidelity (i.e. can the pilot feel/tell a difference). The premise of theproposed effort is to quantify good enough with regards to understanding the fundamentalaero-physics of a rotorcraft interacting with an external disturbance field to quantify whichlength and time scales - such as those present in a ship airwake or in the wake of a an upstreamaircraft during formation flight/refueling - directly impact the aircrafts fundamental responseand flying qualities (FQ) along with the aeromechanics modeling fidelity required to simulateinteractions adequately.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1203540
Entities
People
- Glen R. Whitehouse