The Collaborative Development of New CFD Methods Adapted for Tilt Rotor Aircraft in the HiPerTilt Project

摘要

Following new requirements for CFD tools regarding tilt rotor aircraft, Leonardo Helicopters, partnering with the Universities of Bristol and Glasgow and Innovate UK, launched the HiPerTilt project, aimed at developing and validating new methods adapted to new aircraft configurations. The newly developed methods were still be compatible with the simulation of conventional helicopters. The project work was distributed in five work packages, splitting the work on airframe aerodynamics and rotor aerodynamics. The project incorporated a wind tunnel test extending the current existing validation database. All tools developed by the project partners proved efficient and were adapted for use in industrial processes, and were then tested and incorporated into its design process by Leonardo Helicopters. A key factor in the success of the project was the ability of all partners to meet and exchange information on a regular basis, and understand and adapt to the constraints of the other project partners.