Aeroelastically Conformable Rotor Mission Analysis.

Abstract

An analytic study was conducted to assess the suitability of a conformable rotor for satisfying the requirements of a typical Army mission. A conformable rotor blade is a blade designed to produce changes in blade twist, with azimuth and flight condition, which improve performance and reduce rotor loads. This study quantified the performance advantages and rotor system load reductions possible with a conformable rotor by designing blades suited for the UH-60A mission and comparing calculated rotor behavior with that of the UH-60A rotor. Relative to the UH-60A design, the conformable blade employs a four-to-one reduction in torsional stiffness over the outer half of the blade a reduction in built-in twist from -16 to -12 degrees, an increase from 20 to 30 degrees in tip sweep and reflex tab deflection inboard of the 80-percent radial position. This design produces elastic response which increase twist in hover and reduces advancing blade twist in forward flight.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1979
Accession Number
ADA067338

Entities

People

  • Robert H. Blackwell
  • Sebastian J. Cassarino

Organizations

  • United Technologies Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Altitude
  • Bending Moments
  • Blade Tips
  • Composite Materials
  • Control Systems
  • Figure Of Merit
  • Geometry
  • Helicopter Rotors
  • Helicopters
  • Intact Stability
  • Mach Number
  • Materials
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics.
  • Robotics and Automation.