Effects of Swept Tips on V-22 Whirl Flutter and Loads

A CAMRAD II model of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor was constructed for the purpose of analyzing the effects of blade design changes on whirl flutter. The model incorporated a dual load-path grip/yoke assembly, a swashplate coupled to the transmission case, and a drive train. A multiple-trailer free wake was used for loads calculations. The effects of rotor design changes on whirl-mode stability were calculated for swept blades and offset tip masses. A rotor with swept tips and inboard tuning masses was examined in detail to reveal the mechanisms by which these design changes affect stability and loads. Certain combinations of design features greatly increased whirl-mode stability, with (at worst) moderate increases to loads.