Fully Integrated Aeroelastic Simulation of Complete Vertical Lift Configurations

Current approaches for resolving rotorcraft fuselage responses in the presence of aerodynamic/structural excitation require ample conservatism because current CFD-based aeromechanic solutions lack the capability to include detailed elastic fuselage models. Instead, a siloed approach is employed where results of one analysis are replayed into another. A particular limitation of the siloed method is its inability to capture rotor wake impingement, which has resulted in empennage buffet problems not being encountered until flight testing of a new design. To provide a fully integrated aeroelastic simulation capability for complete vertical lift configurations that will overcome these limitations, ATA Engineering, Inc. (ATA) proposes the development of a novel simulation coupling methodology. The proposed project will develop a three-code coupling (comprehensive rotor, fluid, and structural dynamics) toolset and leverage existing and emerging computational technologies for integrating disparate solution strategies of each domain. The methodology, which will accommodate both loose and tight rotor coupling schemes, will be integrated in the DoD CREATE HELIOS framework. In the proposed Phase II effort, ATA will implement several toolset improvements, automate consistency checks through a graphical user interface, expand the choice of domain-specific solvers, complete HELIOS integration, and perform several simulations of real-world rotorcraft for demonstration and validation.