Refined Performance Results on a Slowed Mach-Scaled Rotor at High Advance Ratios

Abstract

Owing to its ability to alleviate the compressibility effect on the advancing side, the slowed rotor operating at high advance ratios is a key feature in high-speed compound rotorcraft. A series of wind tunnel tests were conducted in the Glenn L. Martin Wind Tunnel with a four-bladed Mach-scaled articulated rotor. The objective of the tests was to gain a basic understanding of unique features of high-advance-ratio aerodynamic phenomena, such as thrust reversal and dynamic stall in the reverse flow region. In this study, high-advance-ratio tests were carried out with highly similar, noninstrumented blades and on-hub control angle measurements, to minimize possible error due to blade structural dissimilarity and pitch angle discrepancy. The tests were conducted at 900 and 1200 RPM, advance ratios of 0.3–0.9, and a shaft tilt study was conducted at±4°. Pitch and flap motion at the blade roots, rotor performance, and vibratory hub loads were investigated during the test. The test data were then compared with those of previous tests and with predictions from comprehensive analysis. The airload results were investigated using comprehensive analysis to gain insights into the influences of advance ratio and shaft tilt angle on rotor performance and hub vibratory loads. Results indicate that the thrust benefit from backward shaft tilt is dependent on the change in the inflow condition and the induced angle of attack increment, and the reverse flow region at high advance ratios is the major contributor to changes in shaft torque and horizontal force.