Computational aerodynamics analysis of a Martian rotorcraft

This paper presents Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes calculations for a prototype Martian rotorcraft. These computational simulations present a new and challenging problem, since rotors that operate on Mars will experience a unique low Reynolds number and high Mach number environment. Computed results for the three-dimensional (3-D) rotor differ substantially from two-dimensional (2-D) sectional computations in that the 3-D results exhibit a stall delay phenomenon caused by rotational forces and 3-D effects along the blade span. Computational results have yet to be compared to experimental data, but computed performance predictions match the experimental design goals fairly well and are compared to 2-D results. In addition, the computed results provide a high level of detail in the rotor wake and blade surface aerodynamics.