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Abstract

In this study, experiments were performed to investigate the aerodynamic interaction between a helicopter and ground obstacles. A new experimental set-up was realised and validated. The motorised helicopter model, which included the fuselage, was positioned in different positions relative to a model building in order to replicate different hovering configurations. The use of a helicopter model with a six-component balance and a building model with several pressure taps allowed a database to be compiled for the loads on the helicopter and obstacle. First several tests were performed without the building in order to develop a reference database and assess the experimental set-up through a comparison with results in the literature. The measured loads were analysed to investigate the interference effects of the building model on the helicopter performance. A physical interpretation of the flow phenomena was obtained through analysis of the obstacle pressure measurements and particle image velocimetry surveys of relevant configurations.

Keywords

Rotorcraft aerodynamics vortex interaction particle image velocimetry ground obstacles

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Experimental investigation on the aerodynamic interaction between a helicopter and ground obstacles

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