Ducted Fan Model for Real-Time Rotorcraft Flight Simulation

There have been increased applications of the ducted/shrouded fan as a safe, low noise, and effective anti-torque device for modern rotorcraft. Ducted/shrouded fans have also attracted much interest as the main VTOL lifting devices for recent uninhabited air vehicle (UAV) developments because of their compact structure and high lifting performance. This proposal is dedicated to the development of an accurate and efficient ducted fan simulation for helicopter anti-torque and UAV lifting applications. This will be done through (1) the development of an efficient blade element fan model; (2) the development of duct aerodynamic models; (3) the development of a coupled duct-fan model. Efforts will also be made to develop an effective and efficient rotor/airframe/duct/fan interaction model. The model will provide a comprehensive modeling and analysis tool to support the simulation of rotorcraft and VTOL air vehicles configured with ducted fan devices.