High-Fidelity Aerodynamic Loads Analysis Of The Double-Swept Erato Rotor At High Thrust Forward Flight Operating Point

Abstract

The validity of using comprehensive analysis (CA) tools coupled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict the aerodynamics of classical rotor blades was proven in the literature. This paper aims to enhance this validation for the complex double-swept planform ERATO blade under high-thrust level-flight condition. In order to do so, RCAS and HOST comprehensive analysis tools and Helios/RCAS and elsA/HOST high-fidelity loose couplings are compared to the results of the experimental campaign of the ERATO blade that was carried out by ONERA in 1998 at the S1MA transonic wind tunnel. Trim commands, airloads and pressure coefficient distribution are used to validate the numerical simulations. The results highlight the need for high-fidelity methods in order to accurately predict the aerodynamic response. The numerical data provided by the high-fidelity methods are used to analyse the flow features that are at the origin of the airloads variations.