On the question of adequate hingeless rotor modeling in flight dynamics.

The somewhat controversial question of which elastic blade modes are essential in the flight mechanics of hingeless rotorcraft is studied on the basis of quasi-steady linear aerodynamics including reversed flow effects and uniform inflow. The modes are for the rotating blade, and intermode aerodynamic coupling terms are retained. The criteria for judging elastic mode effects include 19 hub moment and force derivatives, rotor trim data, rotor stability charts for lagged hub moment feedback, step gust and random gust responses. Fixed hub and constant chord blades with widely differing elasticity and inertia and with moderate twist are assumed.