Separation of Rotor and Test Stand Loads in Rotorcraft Wind-Tunnel Testing.
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that performance measurements taken in a helicopter rotor wind-tunnel test provide important information regarding the aerodynamic interaction between a helicopter rotor and a fuselage. In such tests, a large test stand (similar to a fuselage) houses the drive motor, the transmission, and other support equipment. The rotor wake can have a significant effect on both the steady-state and unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of this test stand. The magnitude of this effect is highly dependent on the test-stand shape and on the relative location between rotor and test stand. The test stand, in turn, can also affect the evolution and generation of the rotor wake and can have a significant effect on both the steady-state and dynamic rotor characteristics. Because a rotor wind-tunnel test cannot be conducted without a test stand, the true value of the isolated rotor characteristics can only be approximated from the wind tunnel-data. Hence, wind-tunnel test data should be combined with analytical results for a better understanding of the isolated rotor characteristics. (Author).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA165898
Entities
People
- Charles A. Smith
- Patrick M. Shinoda
Organizations
- Ames Research Center