A Numerical Study and Optimization of a Morphing and Pitching Boeing Vertol VR-12 Rotorcraft Airfoil
Abstract
The helicopter blade has not undergone any major change in design in recent history, only minor adjustments like swept blade tips, variable twist blade, and application of small gurney flap style trailing edge devices. With the advancement of technology in both hardware and software this research aims to show the development of a modern shape morphing airfoil, specifically for helicopter application by utilizing high power computing and advanced turbulence modeling to find optimal shape morphing regimes. The experimental development and testing of the new airfoils were performed at North Dakota State University. The result of this research show that a system was developed in order to optimize the flow over a rotorcraft airfoil using advanced CFD methods. Three initial shapes to include leading and trailing edge deflections were chosen for their increase in aerodynamic performance over a wide range of angles of attack.