Aerodynamic optimization of helicopter rear fuselage

Batrakov, A.S., Kusyumov, A.N., Mikhailov, S.A. and Barakos, G.N. (2018) Aerodynamic optimization of helicopter rear fuselage. Aerospace Science and Technology, 77, pp. 704-712. (doi: 10.1016/j.ast.2018.03.046)

Abstract

An optimization process for the rear helicopter fuselage is presented using Genetic Algorithms and Kriging surrogate models. Shape parameterization is carried out with the super ellipse technique employed for the well-known ROBIN fuselage. The simulations were based on the RANS equations solved using the HMB CFD code. It is shown that a decrease of fuselage drag around 2.5% is possible without compromising the structure and the functionality of the design. Combined with an optimization of the helicopter skids, benefits of up to 4.6% were possible. The demonstrated method can be applied to fuselages of any shape during the initial design phase.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Barakos, Professor George
• Authors: Batrakov, A.S., Kusyumov, A.N., Mikhailov, S.A., and Barakos, G.N.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• Journal Name: Aerospace Science and Technology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1270-9638
• ISSN (Online): 1626-3219
• Published Online: 04 April 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Aerospace Science and Technology 77:704-712
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher