CFD analysis and design of a low-twist, hovering rotor equipped with trailing-edge flaps

This thesis reports the analysis and design of a hovering rotor equipped with both slotted and blended trailing-edge flaps. This was accomplished by combining a simple blade element method with 3D inviscid and RANS CFD that allowed for a robust sequence of design specification, analysis, and verification. Most modern helicopters have high levels of blade twist and various tip shape designs to help improve hover performance. However, such blade designs face problems due to compressibility effects on the advancing blade in forward flight. The twisted blade gives rise to negative incidence at the blade tip, which accelerates shock formation on the lower surface. The current work looks to evaluate the implementation of a low twist rotor for improved forward flight performance and recovering any potential losses in hover performance by deflecting fixed, trailing-edge flaps