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Contribution to Analysis of Rotor Hub Drag Reduction

PROJECTS
Funding
European
European Union
Duration
-
Status
Complete with results
Geo-spatial type
Other
Total project cost
€499 998
EU Contribution
€374 997
Project Acronym
CARD
STRIA Roadmaps
Vehicle design and manufacturing (VDM)
Transport mode
Airborne icon
Transport policies
Environmental/Emissions aspects,
Safety/Security
Transport sectors
Passenger transport,
Freight transport

Overview

Call for proposal
SP1-JTI-CS-2009-02
Link to CORDIS
Objectives

A major source of helicopter drag, about 30% of the total, is from the rotor hub. It is important that the drag generated by a helicopter, and hence emissions, is reduced.

This research programme was undertaken to investigate this subject and investigate potential techniques to achieve reductions in hub drag. A wind tunnel test programme was carried out to provide a large, high-quality experimental data set. A 5 bladed scale helicopter model was designed and manufactured.

The model was designed to enable the effect of model geometry to be examined by using a range of 5 rotor caps and 5 hub fairings. The overall model aerodynamic loads were measured and the loads generated by the rotor hub and rotor cap were independently obtained using internal load cell balances. Two Particle Image Velocimetry systems, 3D and time resolved, were employed in parallel to acquire flow field data in regions of interest around the model.

A range of representative flight conditions were simulated. These acquired data were processed to allow the significant features of the helicopters model’s aerodynamic characteristics to be obtained. This exposed the salient sources of rotor hub drag and so identified techniques that may be employed to reduce the magnitude of this force. The data was also available for the development and validation of CFD codes.

Funding

Parent Programmes
Institution Type
Public institution
Institution Name
European Commission
Type of funding
Public (EU)
Specific funding programme
JTI-CS - Joint Technology Initiatives - Clean Sky
Other Programme
JTI-CS-2009-2-GRC-02-002 Contribution to analysis of rotor hub drag reduction

Results

Executive Summary:

There is increasing concern about the adverse environmental effects of engine emissions which has resulted in the need to identify methods to reduce the fuel burn of helicopters. Significant work has been undertaken and improvements in aerodynamic performance have been gained by using both computational and experimental techniques. It is recognised that a major source of helicopter drag, about 30% of the total, is from the rotor hub. This research programme was undertaken to investigate this subject and identify potential techniques to achieve reductions in hub drag.

A wind tunnel test programme was carried out to provide a large, high-quality experimental data set. A 5-blade, scaled helicopter model was designed and manufactured. The model was designed to enable the effect of model geometry to be examined by using a range of different rotor caps, hub fairings and blade sleeve fairings. The overall model aerodynamic loads were measured, and the loads generated by the rotor hub and rotor cap were independently obtained using internal load cell balances. Also, a 3D Particle Image Velocimetry system was employed to acquire flow field data in regions of interest around the model. A range of representative flight conditions were simulated, and this acquired data was then processed to allow the significant features of the helicopters model’s aerodynamic characteristics to be obtained. This would expose the salient sources of rotor hub drag and so identify techniques that may be employed to reduce the magnitude of this force. The data would also be available for the development and validation of CFD codes.

 

Partners

Lead Organisation
Organisation
Aircraft Research Association Limited
Address
Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7PF, United Kingdom
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€236 013
Partner Organisations
Organisation
Vyzkumny A Zkuebni Letecky Ustav, A.s.
Address
Beranovych 130, 19905 PRAHA - LETNANY, Czechia
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€3 999 746
Organisation
Vyzkumny A Zkuebni Letecky Ustav, A.s.
Address
Beranovych 130, 19905 PRAHA - LETNANY, Czechia
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€62 025
Organisation
University Of Glasgow
Address
University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€76 959

Technologies

Technology Theme
Aircraft design and manufacturing
Technology
Improved aerodynamic design tools
Development phase
Research/Invention

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