Abstract
In this work computational fluid dynamics is used to validate experimental results for a two-bladed small rotor In Ground Effect conditions. The paper focuses on the evaluation and prediction of the rotor outwash generated in ground effect. Time-averaged outflow velocities are compared with experimental results, and the simulated flow field is used for safety studies using the PAXman model and particle tracking methods. The aircraft weights have been studied, evaluating scaling factors to define how helicopter weight can affect the outflow forces and the particle paths. Results show how the wake generated by heavier helicopters can lead to stronger forces on ground personnel and push the particles farther away from the rotor.
Highlights
The flow fields generated by rotors operating In Ground Effect (IGE) are complex and unsteady and may interact with the ground plane
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a micro two-bladed rotor operating IGE is compared with experimental results
The flow field data was obtained by 2D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), while the rotor performance was measured by a micro mass balance
Summary
The flow fields generated by rotors operating In Ground Effect (IGE) are complex and unsteady and may interact with the ground plane. Brownout and whiteout may occur when a rotorcraft is operating in ground proximity and they are due to the interaction of rotor wake with the particles of a loose sediment bed such as sand, snow etc. This interaction can eventually cause the uplift of particles from the ground and their entrainment into the air flow. Investigations are conducted to verify if the same distance can be considered safe for forces due to the outflow acting on ground personnel and for the presence of particles in the area that can spoil the pilot view of a near aircraft or hit people operating inside the 3 rotor diameters area. All CFD simulations have been performed using the HMB3 (Helicopter Multi-Block) CFD solver of Glasgow University
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