Model helicopter performance degradation with simulated ice shapesAn experimental program using a commercially available model helicopter has been conducted in the Texas A&M University Subsonic Wind Tunnel to investigate main rotor performance degradation due to generic ice. The simulated ice, including both primary and secondary formations, was scaled by chord from previously documented artificial ice accretions. Base and iced performance data were gathered as functions of fuselage incidence, blade collective pitch, main rotor rotational velocity, and freestream velocity. It was observed that the presence of simulated ice tends to decrease the lift to equivalent drag ratio, as well as thrust coefficient for the range of velocity ratios tested. Also, increases in torque coefficient due to the generic ice formations were observed. Evaluation of the data has indicated that the addition of roughness due to secondary ice formations is crucial for proper evaluation of the degradation in main rotor performance.
Document ID
19880035556
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tinetti, Ana F. (Texas A&M Univ. College Station, TX, United States)
Korkan, Kenneth D. (Texas A & M University College Station, United States)