Computational Investigation of Separated Flow and Stall Events on Rotating Systems
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Grubb, Amanda Leigh
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Abstract
Computational Investigation of Separated Flow and Stall Events on Rotating Systems
Amanda Grubb
240 Pages
Directed by Marilyn Smith
Rotorcraft are highly complex, dynamic vehicles with aeromechanics that are conducive to challenging problems. Many problems encountered by rotorcraft are a result of flow separation on the rotor. Increased speed, range, and agility requirements will only exacerbate these effects. Understanding flow separation on the rotor plane and the effects it has on the vehicle is fundamental to solving problems facing the next generation of rotorcraft development. The best approach to fully understand flow separation on the rotor plane is through a combination of experimentation and computational fluid dynamics.
This dissertation couples high fidelity CFD with trusted experimental data sets to create a complete picture of rotorcraft flowfields for study. State-of-the-art CFD modeling techniques, many of which have not been addressed recently, are evaluated to identify and quantify their capabilities and limitations. This includes grid refinement approach, numerical approach, turbulence model effectiveness, and aeroelastic coupling bias. Rich flowfield data from CFD, coupled with experimental data, are explored to further understand separated flow on the rotor and its effects on rotorcraft performance. Separated flow is classified by separation mechanism via isolation of blade motion from shed tip vortices. Dominant flowfield vortices are studied to understand their impact on rotor performance using the Biot-Savart Law.
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2022-04-27
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Dissertation