Dynamic Blade Shapes for Improved Helicopter Rotor Aeromechanics

With the increasing demand for higher performance rotorcraft that will carry heavier payloads, travel longer distances, and hover at higher altitudes in warmer climates, more advanced and novel rotor designs have become necessary. The fixed configuration blade design has reached its optimum performance improvements. However, there is the potential to use a dynamic blade shape approach to significantly increase rotorcraft performance. Using the comprehensive tools to accurately model the new actuation systems and to analyze the new design in a more realistic manner has the potential to enable the creation of the next generation of rotors in a cost effective manner. With advancements in Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD) in structural loads prediction, the accurate airloads predictions by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) programs, and the successful CSD/CFD coupling in both steady and maneuvering flights, the achievement of the above goal is within reach. ART proposes to use Rotorcraft Comprehensive Analysis System (RCAS) to model and analyze promising dynamic blade shape candidates and to create a database relating the performance parameter to the different morphing approaches over the entire flight envelope. Where necessary, enhancements will be made to produce the most accurate results.