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

Rotorcraft experience inherently complex aerodynamic interactions between the rotors, fuselage, and empennage. To overcome insufficient speed, range, and payloads of existing rotorcraft, Future Vertical Lift (FVL) design considers configurations that may have multiple main rotors, ducted fans, auxiliary wings, etc. Such FVL configurations introduce additional aerodynamic lifting devices that make aerodynamic interaction an even more dominant factor to consider. The proposed research aims at developing an advanced modelling method dedicated to interactional aerodynamics analysis in support of modern rotorcraft design and development. Phase I will accomplish a modular formulation of the coupled viscous vortex particle method with a near-body solver for full rotorcraft analysis. Phase I will also accomplish the development of the software architecture and framework for coupling VPM with near-body solvers (CFD, etc.) and comprehensive codes (CSD). The feasibility of the proposed approach will be demonstrated through an aerodynamic interaction analysis of a compound rotorcraft.