The Application of CFD to Rotary Wing Flow Problems
Abstract
This report is a review intended to serve as source and reference material for the CFD phase of a short course on rotorcraft aerodynamics. The review is mainly oriented toward engineering application methods. Therefore emphasis is placed on potential methods and their various types and uses. However, the application of viscous codes is also discussed. These methods are discussed in the context of the various rotorcraft-specific problems-including wake prediction, blade/vortex interactions, transonic problems, dynamic stall and other separation problems. The exposition includes a discussion of the various flow equations and the physical approximations, which they embody. Basic methods of solving these are presented-especially integral and difference approaches to the various potential equations. The treatment of total rotor/wake problems by hybrid difference/integral schemes are discussed. These include both hover flow and forward flight methods requiring a consideration of trim. Unified schemes, which solve an entire rotor/wake flow on a single grid, are also treated. One of these, a vorticity convecting full-potential approach, is capable of predicting complete hover performance polars. Many comparisons are made with data from flight and model tests, to demonstrate the efficacy of the different flow treatments. Finally, advanced flow topics, requiring full viscous solutions, are shown in order to demonstrate the future possibilities and opportunities for CFD as newer methods mature and become practical.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA253024
Entities
People
- F. X. Caradonna
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration