A compressible, structured, overset Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes-based solver is used to simulate a microhovering rotor in ground effect to demonstrate the capability of the code to provide accurate tip-vortex-flowfield predictions, and to provide a good understanding of the ground–wake interactions in conditions prevalent in helicopter brownout. The performance validation at different rotor heights above the ground shows good correlation with the experimental thrust and power measurements. A detailed comparison of the predicted tip-vortex flowfield shows good agreement with the vorticity contours and radial-velocity profiles obtained from the particle-image-velocimetry measurements during experiments. The examination of the in ground effect tip-vortex flowfield suggests high degree of instabilities close to the ground. The induced velocities arising from the proximity of the rotor tip vortices cause flow separation at the ground. An analysis of the eddy-viscosity contours near the ground indicates higher turbulence levels in the flowfield at smaller rotor heights above the ground. With a decreasing rotor height, the increased interactions between the tip vortices and the ground boundary layer result in the intermixing of eddy viscosity from the tip vortex to the ground boundary layer.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Detailed Computational Investigation of a Hovering Microscale Rotor in Ground Effect



    Published in:

    AIAA Journal ; 51 , 4 ; 893-909


    Publication date :

    2013-04-01




    Type of media :

    Conference paper , Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Detailed computational investigation of a hovering microscale rotor in ground effect

    Lakshminarayan, Vinod K. / Kalra, Tarandeep S. / Baeder, James D. | Tema Archive | 2013



    Computational Investigation of Micro Hovering Rotor Aerodynamics

    Lakshminarayan, V. / Bush, B. / Duraisamy, K. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2006


    Computational investigation of micro hovering rotor aerodynamics

    Lakshminarayan, Vinod K. / Baeder, James D. | Tema Archive | 2010


    Computational Investigation of Micro Hovering Rotor Aerodynamics

    Lakshminarayan, Vinod / Bush, Brandon / Duraisamy, Karthikeyan et al. | AIAA | 2006