Advanced Aerodynamic Interference Solver with Coupled Viscous Vortex Particle Module/CFD/CSD in Support of Rotorcraft Design

Interaction aerodynamics impacts various aspects of rotorcraft, including performance, loads, stability, acoustics, and vibration. Unfortunately, it has long been and still remains a challenging aspect of rotorcraft design and development. Due to their unique configuration, rotorcraft experience inherently complex aerodynamic interactions between the rotors, wings, fuselage, and empennage. To overcome insufficient speed, range, and payloads of existing rotorcraft, Future Vertical Lift (FVL) design considers configurations that may have multiple rotors, ducted fans, wings, etc. Such FVL configurations introduce additional aerodynamic lifting devices that make aerodynamic interference an even more dominant factor to consider. The proposed research aims at the developing a solution for accurately and efficiently simulating the complicated aerodynamic interference to support next generation rotorcraft design and development. The problem will be approached by developing an advanced viscous Vortex Particle Method (VPM) based hybrid flow solver for full rotorcraft interference analysis. Phase II will accomplish the simulation methodology formulation, implementation, and validation. The VPM based hybrid flow solver will be coupled with comprehensive rotorcraft codes for applications.