Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Stall on the MERIT Rotor in Hover

Giacomo Baldan, Verena Heuschneider, Matti Mitropoulos, Ilkay Yavrucuk, Alberto Guardone

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The flow behavior of the two-blade MERIT rotor in hover, focusing on both pre-stall and stall regimes, is investigated through a comprehensive numerical-experimental approach. The study leverages unsteady RANS simulations to compute rotor thrust and power polars and validates them against experimental measurements. Valuable insights are provided into the capabilities of unsteady RANS methods and modern turbulence models for predicting rotor performance across these critical operating conditions. Furthermore, the numerical model incorporates blade deformations by implementing the experimentally measured flap and torsion displacements. A more realistic depiction of the rotor's aerodynamics is provided accounting for the structural deformations of the blades under aerodynamic loads. High-fidelity simulations closely predict the experiments in pre-stall conditions while discrepancies are present when the flow exhibits extended stalled regions. Blade deformations demonstrated to have only a minor effect on thrust and power polars due to the high stiffness of the system.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationVertical Flight Society 80th Annual Forum and Technology Display
PublisherVertical Flight Society
ISBN (Electronic)9781713897941
StatePublished - 2024
Event80th Annual Vertical Flight Society Forum and Technology Display, FORUM 2024 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: 7 May 20249 May 2024

Publication series

NameVertical Flight Society 80th Annual Forum and Technology Display

Conference

Conference80th Annual Vertical Flight Society Forum and Technology Display, FORUM 2024
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period7/05/249/05/24

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