Vortex Identification and Quantification on Blunt Trailing-Edge Rotor Blades in Reverse Flow

What is it about?

Rotor blades on a helicopter in forward flight experience a highly fluctuating inflow velocity, resulting in unsteady aerodynamic blade loading. In some regions on the rotor disk the flow even reverses. These adverse effects lead to high strains on crucial rotor components what might lead to failure and ultimately to fatal crashes. The current work investigates the impact of the blade geometry on the aerodynamic loading with the goal to make helicopters faster and safer.

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