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Performance degradation of a model helicopter rotor with a generic ice shapeAn experimental program using a commercially available remotely controlled model helicopter in the Texas A&M University (TAMU) subsonic wind tunnel has been conducted to investigate the performance degradation resulting from the simulated formation of ice on the leading edge of the main rotor blades in both hover and forward flight. The rotor blades utilized a NACA 0012 airfoil with a 2.5-in. constant chord. A generic ice shape derived from a predetermined natural ice condition was applied to the 53.375-in.-diameter main rotor, and thrust and torque coefficients were measured for the main rotor as functions of velocity, main rotor rpm, fuselage angle of incidence, collective pitch angle, and spanwise extent of icing. The model helicopter test exhibited significant performance degradation of the main rotor when generic ice was added. An increase of approximately 150 percent in torque coefficient to maintain a constant thrust coefficient was noted when generic ice had been applied to the 85 percent rotor radial location. Also, considerable additional degradation occurred when generic ice was applied to the 100 percent rotor radial location, as compared with the 85 percent simulated ice performance values, indicating the sensitivity of the rotor tip region.
Document ID
19840066309
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Korkan, K. D.
(Texas A&M Univ. College Station, TX, United States)
Cross, E. J., Jr.
(Texas A&M Univ. College Station, TX, United States)
Miller, T. L.
(Texas A&M University College Station, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Aircraft
Volume: 21
ISSN: 0021-8669
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
84A49096
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG3-242
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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