Nonlinear aeroelasticity in rotorcraft

This paper is an overview of a research program for nonlinear aeroelasticity of rotorcraft in forward flight conducted at Duke University and supported by the Army Research Office. Theoretical and experimental investigations of rotor aeroelastic stability and nonlinear response are described. A flexible rotor blade model with geometrical and freeplay structural nonlinearities and the ONERA stall aerodynamic model are considered. Analytical and numerical solutions of nonlinear mathematical models and experimental methods for flutter and forced response in a wind tunnel environment are discussed. Correlations between theoretical and experimental results are presented and some significant conclusions are drawn. It is hoped that this paper will help provide improved fundamental understanding of the nonlinear aeroelastic behavior of rotorcraft. © 1993.

Duke Scholars

Author Earl H. Dowell Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...