Development of Simulation Tools for High-fidelity Analysis of Compound Rotorcraft

Zhang, T. and Barakos, G.N. (2020) Development of Simulation Tools for High-fidelity Analysis of Compound Rotorcraft. In: AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, USA, 06-10 Jan 2020, ISBN 9781624105951 (doi: 10.2514/6.2020-1258)

Abstract

This paper presents the development and validation of a toolchain for high fidelity analysis of compound rotorcraft. An automatic geometry composition and grid generation framework is constructed using ICEM Hexa scripts and in-house codes. Simulation methods of various fidelity levels are then put forward and evaluated. The framework is examined and validated through simulations of ducted propeller cases. The high fidelityCFDsimulations are performed using the HMB3 solver. Comparisons and validation are made with experimental data, as well as simpler predictive methods. The ducted propeller shows superior performance over its un-ducted counterpart at low or moderate advance ratios. The ducted propeller also shows less intrusive wake features. The major thrust gain is identified to originate from the duct itself. As the advance ratio increases, the duct thrust contribution becomes negative and the ducted propeller thus becomes deficient. Cross-wind conditions are also considered. The duct is found to be the source of the large lift force and the nose-up pitching moment. Detailed analyses of the duct surface pressure and the propeller induction are presented.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Additional Information: The sponsorship of the University of Glasgow and the China Scholarship Council is gratefully acknowledged.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Barakos, Professor George and Zhang, Mr Tao
• Authors: Zhang, T., and Barakos, G.N.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• ISBN: 9781624105951
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 by the authors
• First Published: First published in AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy