Two-Dimensional Aerodynamic Characteristics of Several Polygon-Shaped Cross-Sectional Models Applicable to Helicopter Fuselages

Abstract

A wind-tunnel investigation was conducted to determine two-dimensional aerodynamic characteristics of nine polygon-shaped models applicable to helicopter fuselages. The models varied from 1/2 to 1/5 scale and were nominally triangular, diamond, and rectangular in shape. Side force and normal force were obtained at increments of angle of flow incidence from -45 deg to 90 deg. The data were compared with results from a baseline UH-60 tail-boom cross- sectional model. The results indicate that the overall shapes of the plots of normal force and side force were similar to the characteristic shape of the baseline data; however, there were important differences in magnitude. At a flow incidence of 0 deg, larger values of normal force for the polygon models indicate an increase in fuselage down load of 1 to 2.5 percent of main-rotor thrust compared with the baseline value. Also, potential was indicated among some of the configurations to produce high fuselage side forces and yawing moments compared with the baseline model.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA254938

Entities

People

  • Cynthia A. Crowell
  • Henry L. Kelley
  • John C. Wilson

Organizations

  • Langley Research Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Aerodynamic Forces
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Blunt Bodies
  • Dynamic Pressure
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Free Stream
  • Fuselages
  • Helicopters
  • Reynolds Number
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Tail Rotors
  • Two Dimensional
  • Vehicles
  • Wind Tunnels

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Aerospace Engineering