Wind Tunnel Investigation of a Helicopter Model in Shipboard Operations

Taymourtash, N., Zagaglia, D. , Zanotti, A., Gibertini, G. and Quaranta, G. (2019) Wind Tunnel Investigation of a Helicopter Model in Shipboard Operations. In: 45th European Rotorcraft Forum, Warsaw, Poland, 17-20 Sep 2019, pp. 111-123. ISBN 9781713805922

Abstract

The paper presents the wind tunnel simulation of a helicopter model in shipboard operations. The test rig consists of a scaled helicopter model and a simplified ship model, based on the geometry of the Simple Frigate Shape 1. In the first phase of the experiment, pressure and Particle Image Velocimetry survey of the flow field on the flight deck were performed without the presence of the helicopter, to study the flow features on the ship deck, for several wind conditions obtained modifying the wind speed and direction. The influence of Atmospheric Boundary Layer was investigated as well. Then, the rotorcraft was positioned in a series of points representative of both a typical fore-aft landing trajectory toward the deck, and a vertical descent on the deck. Loads generated by the rotor were monitored by means of a six-axis load cell. Particle Image Velocimetry of the ship wake and of the helicopter inflow were carried out in order to have a better understanding of how the interacting flow fields affected the helicopter performance. The test showed a significant effect of the mutual aerodynamic influence between the helicopter and the ship model and a limited effect of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Taymourtash, Neda and Zagaglia, Dr Daniele
• Authors: Taymourtash, N., Zagaglia, D., Zanotti, A., Gibertini, G., and Quaranta, G.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• ISBN: 9781713805922
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Proceedings of the 45th European Rotorcraft Forum 2019: 111-123
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License