Blade Vortex interaction

A prediction method is developed for the self-generated noise of an airfoil blade encountering smooth flow. The prediction methods for the individual self-noise mechanisms are semiempirical and are based on previous theoretical studies and data obtained from tests of two- and three-dimensional airfoil blade sections. The self-noise mechanisms are due to specific boundary-layer phenomena, that is, the boundary-layer turbulence passing the trailing edge, separated-boundary-layer and stalled flow over an airfoil, vortex shedding due to laminar boundary layer instabilities, vortex shedding from blunt trailing edges, and the turbulent vortex flow existing near the tip of lifting blades. The predictions are compared successfully with published data from three self-noise studies of different airfoil shapes. An application of the prediction method is reported for a large scale-model helicopter rotor, and the predictions compared well with experimental broadband noise measurements. A computer code of the method is given.

In a major cooperative program within the existing US-German and US-French Memoranda of Understanding/Agreements (MOU/MOA), researchers from German DLR, French ONERA, NASA Langley, and the US Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AFDD) conducted a comprehensive experimental program in October 2001 with a 40% -geometrically and aeroelastically scaled model of a BO-105 main rotor in the open-jet anechoic test section of the German-Dutch

This paper presents analytical bounds for blade–wake interaction phenomenona occurring in rotating cross-flow turbines for wind and tidal energy generation (e.g. H-rotors, Darrieus or vertical axis). Limiting cases are derived for one bladed turbines and extended to the more common three bladed configuration. Additionally, we present a classification of the blade–wake type of interactions in terms of limiting tip speed ratios.

These bounds are validated using a high order h/ph/p Discontinuous Galerkin solver with sliding meshes. This computational method enables highly accurate flow solutions and shows that the analytical bounds correspond to limiting blade–wake interactions in fully resolved flow simulations.

We consider the effects of chordwise flexibility on the aerodynamic performance of flapping wings using numerical simulation. The two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations are solved using a Fourier pseudo-spectral method with no-slip boundary conditions imposed by the volume penalization method. The flexible wing is modelled with a non-linear beam equation. Our numerical simulations of heaving plates show that the maximum thrust is achieved at a stroke frequency lower than resonant, which is in agreement with experiments. The oscillatory part of the force only increases in amplitude when the frequency increases. We also consider aerodynamic interactions between two heaving foils.

Numerical procedures based on the 2-D and 3-D full potential equations and the 2-D Navier-Stokes equations were developed to study the effects of leading and trailing edge flap motions on the aerodynamics of parallel airfoil-vortex interactions and on the aerodynamics and acoustics of the more general self-generated rotor blade vortex interactions (BVI). For subcritical interactions, the 2-D results indicate that the trailing edge flap can be used to alleviate the impulsive loads experienced by the airfoil. For supercritical interactions, the results show the necessity of using a leading edge flap, rather than a trailing edge flap, to alleviate the interaction. Results for various time dependent flap motions and their effect on the predicted temporal sectional loads, differential pressures, and the free vortex trajectories are presented. For the OLS model rotor, contours of a BVI noise metric were used to quantify the effects of the trailing edge flap on the size and directivity of the high/low intensity noise region(s). Average reductions in the BVI noise levels on the order of 5 dB with moderate power penalties on the order of 18 pct. for a four bladed rotor and 58 pct. for a two bladed rotor were obtained.

Numerical procedures based on the 2-D and 3-D full potential equations and the 2-D Navier-Stokes equations were developed to study the effects of leading and trailing edge flap motions on the aerodynamics of parallel airfoil-vortex interactions and on the aerodynamics and acoustics of the more general self-generated rotor blade vortex interactions (BVI). For subcritical interactions, the 2-D results indicate that the trailing edge flap can be used to alleviate the impulsive loads experienced by the airfoil. For supercritical interactions, the results show the necessity of using a leading edge flap, rather than a trailing edge flap, to alleviate the interaction. Results for various time dependent flap motions and their effect on the predicted temporal sectional loads, differential pressures, and the free vortex trajectories are presented. For the OLS model rotor, contours of a BVI noise metric were used to quantify the effects of the trailing edge flap on the size and directivity of ...

: In a major cooperative program within the existing US-German and US-French Memoranda of Understanding/Agreements (MOU/MOA), researchers from German DLR, French ONERA, NASA Langley, and the US Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AFDD) conducted a comprehensive experimental program in October 2001 with a 40%-geometrically and aeroelastically scaled model of a BO-105 main rotor in the open-jet anechoic test section of the German-Dutch Windtunnel (DNW). This international cooperative program carries the acronym HART-II (Higher harmonic control Aeroacoustics Rotor Test). The main objective of the program is to improve the basic understanding and the analytical modeling capabilities of rotor blade-vortex interaction noise with and without higher harmonic pitch control (HHC) inputs, particularly the effect of rotor wakes on rotor noise and vibration. Comprehensive acoustic, rotor wakes, aerodynamic, and blade deformation data were obtained with pressure-instrumented blades. The test pla...

The results of this analytical feasibility study suggest that active blade twist technology is a viable means to reduce blade-vortex interaction (BVI) noise in rotorcraft systems. A linearized unsteady aerodynamics analysis was formulated and successfully validated with computation fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. A simple control scheme with three control points was found to be effective for active BVI noise reduction.

Acoustic data from a test of a 40 percent model MBB BO-105 helicopter main rotor are scaled to equivalent full-scale flyover cases. The test was conducted in the anechoic open test section of the German-Dutch Windtunnel (DNW). The measured data are in the form of acoustic pressure time histories and spectra from two out-of-flow microphones underneath and foward of the model. These are scaled to correspond to measurements made at locations 150 m below the flight path of a full-scale rotor. For the scaled data, a detailed analysis is given for the identification in the data of the noise contributions from different rotor noise sources. Key results include a component breakdown of the noise contributions, in terms of noise criteria calculations of a weighted sound pressure level (dBA) and perceived noise level (PNL), as functions of rotor advance ratio and descent angle. It is shown for the scaled rotor that, during descent, impulsive blade-vortex interaction (BVI) noise is the dominan...

A prediction method is developed for the self-generated noise of an airfoil blade encountering smooth flow. The prediction methods for the individual self-noise mechanisms are semiempirical and are based on previous theoretical studies and data obtained from tests of two- and three-dimensional airfoil blade sections. The self-noise mechanisms are due to specific boundary-layer phenomena, that is, the boundary-layer turbulence passing the trailing edge, separated-boundary-layer and stalled flow over an airfoil, vortex shedding due to laminar boundary layer instabilities, vortex shedding from blunt trailing edges, and the turbulent vortex flow existing near the tip of lifting blades. The predictions are compared successfully with published data from three self-noise studies of different airfoil shapes. An application of the prediction method is reported for a large scale-model helicopter rotor, and the predictions compared well with experimental broadband noise measurements. A compute...