Perspectives on rotorcraft aerodynamic modeling for flight dynamics applications

This paper summarizes initial results from the integration of the CHARM free-wake module into two nonlinear flight dynamics simulations. It is shown that for flight dynamics applications, the first-principles free-wake model captures all of the known important results of the widely used Pitt-Peters model for the effects of the rotor induced velocity on the rotor itself. Preliminary results also indicate the potential of the free-wake to accurately represent other important effects which are beyond the capability of current flight dynamics models, including interactions of the main rotor wake with the empennage. Fruitful avenues for ongoing development are also discussed.