Modelling The Disc Edge Vortices For Propellers Of Multirotor eVTOL In Forward Flight

Abstract

This paper presents a computational method that couples the Peters-He finite-state dynamic inflow model with both an analytical and a prescribed wake model to predict the lateral and axial positions of roll-up and tip vortices, respectively, during forward flight. The analytical wake model, originally developed for helicopter rotors, is extended to predict the position and geometry of disc edge vortices in flight conditions with advance ratios above 0.15. The prescribed wake model is based on the Beddoes formulation. Validation against high-fidelity CFD simulations shows good agreement with the proposed approach. The results suggest that this method provides a reliable and computationally efficient alternative to mid-fidelity techniques such as free-vortex wake models and can be readily integrated with dynamic inflow models to simulate rotor-rotor aerodynamic interactions.