ERICA tiltrotor airframe wake characterization

Abstract

In the framework of the European JTI CleanSky GRC2 project devoted to drag reduction of airframe and non-lifting rotating systems of the Green Rotorcraft ITD, a CFD-based optimization was performed on the ERICA tiltrotor configuration and validated by wind tunnel tests. Previous work dealt with the shape optimization of different parts of the tiltrotor fuselage (nose, sponsons, wing/fuselage fairings, empennages) for drag reduction and efficiency improvement purposes, using CFD coupled with innovative design methodologies based on multi-objective evolutionary algorithms. In this paper, a characterization of the ERICA tiltrotor aft fuselage wake is presented based on experimental stereo PIV and numerical investigations. The flow structures are analyzed in relation to the drag reduction observed for the optimized sponsons in comparison to the baseline configuration.