Analysis of combined passively and actively morphing blade root chord length and blade taper for helicopter control

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of passive and active morphing of blade root chord length and blade taper on the control effort of the flight control system (FCS) of a helicopter. Design/methodology/approach Physics-based helicopter models, which are functions of passive and active morphing, are created and applied in helicopter FCS design to determine the control effort. Findings Helicopters, having both passively and actively morphing blade root chord length and blade taper, experience less control effort than the ones having either only passively morphing blade root chord length or only blade taper or only actively morphing blade root chord length and blade taper. Practical implications Both passively and actively morphing blade root chord length and blade taper can be implemented for more economical autonomous helicopter flights. Originality/value Main novelty of our article is simultaneous application of passive and active morphing ideas on helicopter root chord length and blade taper. It is also proved in this study that using both passive and active morphing ideas on helicopter blade root chord and blade taper causes much less energy consumption than using either only passive morphing idea on helicopter blade root chord and blade taper or only active morphing idea on helicopter blade root chord and blade taper. This also reduces fuel consumption and also makes environment cleaner.