Unsteady aerodynamic analysis of helicopter rotor by using the time-domain panel method

Abstract

Recently, aerodynamic analysis of the helicopter rotor using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is widely carried out with high accuracy. But, it is very difficult only using the wake simulation of the helicopter rotor using CFD analysis. In this research the time-domain panel method, which uses a numerical technique based on the piecewise constant source and doublet singularities, is applied to the analysis and prediction of the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of helicopter rotor in a potential flow. And the time-marching free wake model is used for wake simulation. The results of present method are compared with the experimental data of a helicopter rotor in hover. Calculations show good agreement with the experimental data.