Project Details
Projekt
Investigation of Vortex Dynamics of Helicopters in Hover in a Turbulent Environment
Subject Area
Fluid Mechanics
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 568659470
The overall objective of the research project is to identify and characterize various factors influencing the aerodynamics of rotor systems as well as the aerodynamic analysis of fundamental feedback mechanisms of the blade tip vortex system. It is expected that the data and findings obtained will allow models to be developed in the longer term that can lead to a better understanding of the phenomena and improved predictive capability. In order to achieve the overarching goal, the following individual goals must be achieved: Objective 1: The relationship between the degree of turbulence in the far field of the inflow, which should be as homogeneous as possible, and in the inflow accelerated by the rotor blade shortly in front of the rotor blade should be measured and modeled. a. It should also be measured and modeled how this relates to the transition to turbulence or boundary layer separation and finally with the loads on the aircraft. b. It should be clarified whether the previously gained knowledge can be transferred to forward flight. Objective 2: The relationship between the degree of turbulence in the far field and the vortex pairing is to be clarified and modeled. This is to be done by comparison with calculations and measurements with the most homogeneous flow possible for different operating conditions (number of blades, thrust). c. A variation of the inflow turbulence and a deliberate detuning of the rotor blade the rotor blade pitch angle should emphasize the strength of the effect and thus simplify the analysis or make it possible in the first place. d. Understanding the physics of these two phenomena compared to theory should provide guidance for the treatment of turbulence levels in numerical modelling.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
Co-Investigators
Privatdozent Dr.-Ing. Anthony Gardner; Dr.-Ing. Rainer Hain
