Dynamic Blade Shapes for Improved Helicopter Rotor Aeromechanics

HyPerComp Inc. is teaming with NextGen Aeronautics and the Rotorcraft Center at the University of Maryland to explore the use of dynamic blade shapes (morphing) for improved rotor performance. Team members complement HyPerComp’s core expertise in modeling and simulation of the rotors, NextGen’s vast experience in actuator design and fabrication, and consultation from University of Maryland on dynamic blade shapes and smart materials. We propose a high-fidelity CFD-based investigation of five different dynamic blade shape concepts for rotor performance improvement: (1) camber variation; (2) trailing edge deflection; (3) leading edge droop; (4) blade twist distribution; and (5) tip geometry (sweep, anhedral, and planform taper). The Phase-I study would be performed for the Black Hawk UH-60A rotor. Hovering, steady-level high-speed forward, and high-thrust forward flights will be studied. Loosely coupled CFD-CSD (aero-elastic) simulations of the isolated rotor (no fuselage) will be performed to compute trimmed solutions and rotor performance. Phase-I study would conclude with the documentation of the effect of the different dynamic blade shapes on rotor performance and the down-selection of the most effective ones. For those concepts, a preliminary study of the physical realizability in terms of actuation mechanism concepts, power, stroke, and frequency will be performed.