Accurate Predictions of Hovering Rotor Flows Using CFD

With work on the S-76 rotor providing encouraging results regarding the prediction of integral loads with CFD in hover, the XV-15 rotor is now analysed. Fully turbulent and transitional results are obtained showing the capability of modern CFD methods. The transition onset and distribution of skin friction are well predicted and were found to have a mild effect on the overall figure of merit. This work also shows the potential of transport-based models for transition prediction in complex 3D flows. Finally, hover simulations for the PSP blade are also shown in terms of surface pressure coefficient and wake visualisation