CFD, Lower-Order Modeling and Measurements towards Advanced Inflow Models for Single and Coaxial Rotors

Abstract

There exists a very limited body of research with respect to the fluid dynamics of the rotor wake interacting with a static or a dynamically moving ground plane, affecting the rotor wake and hence also the inflow distribution and flight dynamics. However, understanding these aerodynamic effects is critical to develop and validate inflow models for such complex flight conditions, because these models rely on a significant amount of assumptions. Similarly, there exist no validated inflow models for coaxial contra-rotating (CCR) rotors. Therefore, higher-order CFD simulations combined with measurements will be performed to derive advanced inflow models, validate them by experiments, and apply them to lower-order comprehensive analysis codes and flight dynamics simulations. This will also enable more accurate predictions of rotocraft motion and handling qualities, and so more realistic pilot training in flight simulators for advanced configurations with CCR rotors and/or in complex flight conditions such as in time-varying ground effect.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Oct 22, 2018
Source ID
W911NF1710579

Entities

People

  • Juergen Rauleder

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • Technische Universität Ilmenau
  • United States Army

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics.
  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)