A Dynamic Wake Model for Multirotor Aircraft

Robert F. Rau, Eric Greenwood

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new dynamic wake model is developed to capture the complex nature of multirotor electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) wake systems. Blade element theory is coupled to an advanced dynamic inflow model which is used to inform the convection of the wake. The wake is then used to compute the high resolution inflow at the rotor blades, forming a loose coupling that can then be time-marched. This model is then applied to both an isolated rotor and a notional tandem rotor system at three shaft angles of attack, where the presence of the front rotor is shown to have a large effect on the development of the wake of the rear rotor. A modern free wake method is also applied to the tandem rotor vehicle. The relatively simple model developed in this paper shows good agreement with the free wake calculations for wake ages up to several rotor revolutions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA AVIATION 2022 Forum
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624106354
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
EventAIAA AVIATION 2022 Forum - Chicago, United States
Duration: Jun 27 2022Jul 1 2022

Publication series

NameAIAA AVIATION 2022 Forum

Conference

ConferenceAIAA AVIATION 2022 Forum
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period6/27/227/1/22

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Dynamic Wake Model for Multirotor Aircraft'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this