Numerical-experimental correlation of rotor flowfield in ground effect

Abstract

This work presents the comparison between experimental measurements and numerical simulations concerning the flowfield generated by a helicopter rotor operating in ground effect conditions above an inclined plane. Specifically, the capability of a potential-based, three-dimensional, free-wake aerodynamic solver to simulate in-ground-effect problems is assessed in terms of loads and wake inflow field, showing a good agreement with the experimental data.