Influence of Helicopter Rotor Wake Modeling on Blade Airload Predictions

摘要

In the present paper a computational investigation is made about the efficiency of recently developed mathematical models for specific aerodynamic phenomena of the complicated helicopter rotor flowfield. A developed computational procedure is used, based on a Lagrangian type, Vortex Element Method. The free vortical wake geometry and rotor airloads are computed. The efficiency of special models concerning vortex core structure, vorticity diffusion and vortex straining regarding rotor airloads prediction is tested. Investigations have also been performed in order to assess a realistic value for empirical factors included in vorticity diffusion models. The benefit of using multiple vortex line to simulate trailing wake vorticity behind blade span instead of isolated lines or vortex sheets, in spite their computational cost, is demonstrated with the developed wake relaxation method. The computational results are compared with experimental data from wind tunnel tests, performed during joined European research programs.