Materials, Advanced Design
&
Manufacturing
111
Computational fluid dynamics gets flying colours
CASE STUDY
Background
There is a lot more to a helicopter rotor blade than
meets the eye. Generating aerodynamic lift force, to
support the aircraft’s weight, and thrust, to counteract
aerodynamic drag generated in forward flight, requires
modern rotor blades to deliver under demanding
conditions. At the same time production costs must be
minimised and lifespan maximised.
The project
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a design tool
which uses numerical methods for the prediction and
analysis of fluid flows and heat transfer. CFD software
is used in a wide range of industries to reduce the need
for wind tunnel tests, resulting in lower development
cost and fewer prototypes. It also enables the
construction of virtual prototypes, which can be
analysed to predict performance. The availability of
CFD simulation data early in the rotor blade design
process allows designers to compare designs, predict
performance and assess their respective merits before
construction has begun, leading to the development of
a better overall product.
AgustaWestland and the University of Liverpool work
together on a range of active projects including the
maintenance and support for the CFD solver of
Liverpool, work on rotors with active blade and flow
control devices, and investigation of helicopter
ditching. There is daily interaction between the two
organisations and work with the University’s helicopter
multi-block (HMD) solver is continuous. The University
is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the solver,
validating its results and releasing updates of the code
to AgustaWestland. It also trains and supports
AgustaWestland engineers in the use of these tools.
CFD is a key tool for AgustaWestland since it allows
the non-linear aerodynamics of rotor blades to be
fully resolved. Engineers can therefore predict the
performance of new designs before even starting to
build a new blade. Technology transfer projects of this
kind are uncommon and the long-term investment of
AgustaWestland is testament to the importance of the
research currently being carried out at the University
of Liverpool.
Outcomes
•
Delivery of new tools capable of complete
helicopter CFD analysis
•
Validated predictions against experiments
•
New capability for the analysis of active rotor
blades.
Partner
AgustaWestland
Activity type
Contract research
Academic lead(s)
Professor George Barakos, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Engineering,
Centre for Engineering Dynamics
This strategic partnership is
re-shaping the way next
generation aerodynamic
design and simulation will
be performed.
James Godman,
Head of AgustaWestland UK Research,
Development and Innovation Department
