High-Fidelity Aerodynamic Loads Analysis Of The Double-Swept Erato Rotor

Abstract

In the literature was proven the validity of using comprehensive analysis (CA) tools coupled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict the aerodynamics of classical rotor blades. This paper aims to enhance this validation for the complex double-swept planform ERATO blade under high-advance-ratio 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. Trim commands, airloads and pressure coefficient distribution on the chordwise direction 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, especially an interesting phenomenon is observed on the retreating blade where a pitching-moment dynamic stall without lift stall is induced by a leading edge vortex.