Modelling of Helicopter Main Rotor Aerodynamic Loads in Manoeuvres

Abstract

Abstract The article discusses the method of modelling of the helicopter main rotor aerodynamic loads during steady state flight and manoeuvres. The ability to determine these loads was created by taking into account the motion of each blade relative to the hinges and was a result of the applied method of aerodynamic loads calculating. The first part of the work discusses the basic relationships that were used to build the mathematical model of helicopter flight. The focus was also on the method of calculating of the aerodynamic forces generated by the rotor blades. The results of simulations dedicated to the “jump to hover” manoeuvre were discussed, showing the possibilities of analysing aerodynamic loads occurring in unsteady flights. The main rotor is considered separately in an “autonomous” way and treated as a source of averaged forces and moments transferred to the hub. The motion of individual blades is neglected, and their aerodynamic characteristics are radically simplified. The motion of individual blades is neglected, and their aerodynamic characteristics are radically simplified. This can lead to significant errors when attempting to model dynamic helicopter manoeuvres. The more complex model of helicopter dynamics is discussed.