Evaluation of helicopter noise due to b blade-vortex interaction for five tip configurations

The effect of tip shape modification on blade vortex interaction induced helicopter blade slap noise was investigated. Simulated flight and descent velocities which have been shown to produce blade slap were tested. Aerodynamic performance parameters of the rotor system were monitored to ensure properly matched flight conditions among the tip shapes. The tunnel was operated in the open throat configuration with treatment to improve the acoustic characteristics of the test chamber. Four promising tips were used along with a standard square tip as a baseline configuration. A detailed acoustic evaluation on the same rotor system of the relative applicability of the various tip configurations for blade slap noise reduction is provided.