Investigation of the rotor–obstacle aerodynamic interaction in hovering flight

Zagaglia, D. , Giuni, M. and Green, R. B. (2018) Investigation of the rotor–obstacle aerodynamic interaction in hovering flight. Journal of the American Helicopter Society, 63, 032007. (doi: 10.4050/JAHS.63.032007)

[img]
Preview
Text
163783.pdf - Accepted Version

3MB

Abstract

In this paper, a comprehensive experimental survey of the aerodynamic interaction of a hovering rotor in the proximity of a ground obstacle is described, taking advantage of multiple experimental techniques. Load measurements on the rotor were carried out to assess the change in the rotor performance for different positions with respect to the cubic obstacle, thus simulating a set of possible hovering flight conditions around the obstacle. Laser Doppler anemometry measurements of the rotor inflow were used to investigate how the aerodynamic interaction affected the rotor performance. Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry measurements in the region between the rotor and the obstacle were carried out to gain a better insight of the interacting flow field. The investigation showed two main regions of interest. The first region is the one above the edge of the obstacle, where the rotor experiences a gradual ground effect as it is positioned over the obstacle. The second region, probably of more interest, is the one just beside the obstacle where a recirculation region between the rotor and the obstacle develops, causing both a significant reduction in the thrust augmentation experienced in unobstructed hover in ground effect and significant pitching and rolling moments, due to the nonsymmetrical inflow pattern on the rotor.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Helicopter, rotorcraft, rotor wake, ground effect.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Green, Dr Richard and Giuni, Dr Michea and Zagaglia, Dr Daniele
Authors: Zagaglia, D., Giuni, M., and Green, R. B.
Subjects:T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
Research Group:Aerospace Sciences
Journal Name:Journal of the American Helicopter Society
Journal Abbr.:J. AHS
Publisher:American Helicopter Society Inc.
ISSN:0002-8711
Published Online:30 May 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 AHS International
First Published:First published in Journal of the American Helicopter Society 63:032007
Publisher Policy:Reproduced with the permission of the publisher

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
647261National Wind Tunnel FacilityFrank CotonEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/L024888/1VPO (ACADEMIC & EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION)