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This homework assignment involves numerically solving a combined blade element momentum theory (BEMT) model of a helicopter in hovering flight. Students are asked to: 1) Model four different blade twist configurations and evaluate thrust distribution, torque distribution, induced inflow, angle of attack, and pitch variation along the blade span. 2) Implement Prandtl's tip loss correction and compare the reference pitch input and induced inflow, thrust distribution, and torque distribution with and without the tip loss model. 3) Produce plots showing the results and discuss the observations and effects of the tip loss model.

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Abhishek Verma
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50 views

Assign 3

This homework assignment involves numerically solving a combined blade element momentum theory (BEMT) model of a helicopter in hovering flight. Students are asked to: 1) Model four different blade twist configurations and evaluate thrust distribution, torque distribution, induced inflow, angle of attack, and pitch variation along the blade span. 2) Implement Prandtl's tip loss correction and compare the reference pitch input and induced inflow, thrust distribution, and torque distribution with and without the tip loss model. 3) Produce plots showing the results and discuss the observations and effects of the tip loss model.

Uploaded by

Abhishek Verma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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AE-686: Helicopter Theory

Homework - 3
Due: March 13, 2023

Total: 60 points
To answer these questions, you will need to program a numerical solution to the combined
blade-element/momentum theory (BEMT). All integrations are to be performed numerically
using either of two: (1) six-point Gaussian Quadrature, in this, the blade must first be discretized
into a series of small elements of equal span, typically, 10 elements must be used to ensure
adequate resolution of the inflow and spanwise loading, or (2) using trapezoidal or rectangular
rule (in this atleast 100-200 points would have to be used). Please describe all the steps
of your calculation, including the details of the algorithms used and methods of
implementation.

Q1. Relevant data pertaining to a helicopter are given below:


Density of air, ρ 1.225 kg/m3
Number of blades, Nb 4
Blade radius, R 6m
Blade chord, c 0.4 m
Profile Drag coefficient, Cdo 0.01
Lift curve slope, Clα 5.73
Rotor angular rate, Ω 10π rad/sec
Hover CT 0.006
Root cutout 20% of R
Consider blade twist for four different configurations: (i) ideal twist with θtip , (ii) θtw of 0◦ ,
(iii) θtw of -15◦ (linear), and (iv) ideal twist with θtip and ideal taper (assume ctip = 0.5c).
Assuming non-uniform inflow (BEMT without tip loss), evaluate the following and show
each item in one figure for the helicopter in hovering flight:

(a) Find out the reference pitch input θtip or θ75 for hovering flight and plot the variation
of pitch angle with non-dimensional radial location (all 4 twist cases in one figure).
In a separate plot, compare the numerical solution obtained for ideal twist with the
closed form exact formula derived in class. (15)
(b) Variation of angle of attack with non-dimensional radial location (all 4 twist cases in
one figure). (5)
(c) Variation of induced inflow with non-dimensional radial location (all 4 twist cases in
one figure). (5)
(d) Variation of thrust distribution (i.e. dCT /dr), total torque (CQ ) distribution, induced
torque distribution (CQi ) and profile torque (CQp ) with non-dimensional radial loca-
tion (all 4 twist cases in one figure each). (15)

Report your observations for each of the figures. Make sure you use legends and different
line types to allow identification of each graph.

Q2. For the above problem, implement Prandtl’s tip-loss function using the numerical tech-
nique discussed in class. For the “no blade” twist case, find out the reference pitch input
θ75 needed for hovering flight. Compare the result with that from Q1. Show the effect of
the tip-loss on the induced inflow, thrust distribution, and total torque distribution with
non-dimensional radial location on separate plots. Discuss your results. (4x5=20)

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