Experimental investigation on the aerodynamic interaction between a helicopter and ground obstacles

Gibertini, G., Grassi, D., Parolini, C., Zagaglia, D. and Zanotti, A. (2015) Experimental investigation on the aerodynamic interaction between a helicopter and ground obstacles. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 229(8), pp. 1395-1406. (doi: 10.1177/0954410014550501)

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Abstract

In this study, experiments were performed to investigate the aerodynamic interaction between a helicopter and ground obstacles. A new experimental set-up was realised and validated. The motorised helicopter model, which included the fuselage, was positioned in different positions relative to a model building in order to replicate different hovering configurations. The use of a helicopter model with a six-component balance and a building model with several pressure taps allowed a database to be compiled for the loads on the helicopter and obstacle. First several tests were performed without the building in order to develop a reference database and assess the experimental set-up through a comparison with results in the literature. The measured loads were analysed to investigate the interference effects of the building model on the helicopter performance. A physical interpretation of the flow phenomena was obtained through analysis of the obstacle pressure measurements and particle image velocimetry surveys of relevant configurations.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Zagaglia, Dr Daniele
Authors: Gibertini, G., Grassi, D., Parolini, C., Zagaglia, D., and Zanotti, A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
Journal Name:Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Publisher:SAGE Publications
ISSN:0954-4100
ISSN (Online):2041-3025
Published Online:21 September 2014

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