Helicopter main rotor FSI analysis using parametric blade model as an application for multidisciplinary optimization

Abstract

This work is part of a research program aimed at finding new approaches and design solutions for helicopter main rotor modelling using multidisciplinary optimization. It is the fourth stage of an individual research program that includes preliminary tasks such as parametric modelling of a single blade, CFD modelling of a full main rotor for different flight conditions, and preliminary structural modelling of a blade. The main goal of this work is to present the parametric modelling of the rotor blade body and structure as an application for complex simulation. The paper demonstrates the method of advanced analysis of the entire rotor and provides exemplary results obtained from complicated analyses. The analytical foundation for combined fluid-structure analysis is presented. The parametric design method is shown to be applicable for different blade planform shapes and various section airfoils. The blade CFD fluid domain is also prepared using the parametric method, as well as the blade’s inner structure. The simulation parameters from the previous stages of research, which serve as inputs to the FSI analysis, are outlined. These previously obtained parameters are combined and introduced into an FSI simulation to assess their compatibility and applicability. The configuration procedure of the analysis and the boundary conditions are presented. The obtained numerical results are then compared with analytical assumptions. The simulation products, which serve as inputs for further analysis, are presented with graphical representations. The time and memory consumption of the simulation are outlined. The application of the described work in an optimization loop is proposed. As a result of this research, new options for main rotor optimization are developed. The paper demonstrates some crucial possibilities of FSI analysis in the described simulation cases. The use of combined parametric modeling with fluid-structure interaction analysis for different flight conditions is presented as a new perspective for multidisciplinary design optimization of a helicopter rotor system.