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Parametric Analyses for Effects of RPM and Diameter on Tiltrotor Aerodynamic Performances in Hovering and Cruise Mode

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Abstract

Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the effects of different RPM (revolutions per minute) and different diameter on aerodynamic performances of tiltrotor in both hovering and cruise flight modes. The CLORNS code based on embedded grid and Reynold averaged Navier–Stokes equations is employed. According to the flight state of the tiltrotor, the corresponding comprehensive performance evaluation criteria and aerodynamic trimming strategy are established. On these bases, the numerical investigations on figure of merit and cruise efficiency of XV-15 tiltrotor with different RPM and diameter are conducted, and the results indicate that a large RPM is good for improving the hovering efficiency of tiltrotor, while in cruise mode, tiltrotor with small diameter (root-cut) and RPM helps to enhance the cruise efficiency.

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Acknowledgments

This research has benefited greatly from the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12072156) and the National Key Laboratory Foundation of China (no. 614220119040111), and Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Key Laboratory of Rotorcraft Aeromechanics, College of Aerospace Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China

    Guoqing Zhao, Qijun Zhao, Peng Li & Bo Wang

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  1. Guoqing Zhao
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  2. Qijun Zhao
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Correspondence to Qijun Zhao.

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Zhao, G., Zhao, Q., Li, P. et al. Parametric Analyses for Effects of RPM and Diameter on Tiltrotor Aerodynamic Performances in Hovering and Cruise Mode. Int. J. Aeronaut. Space Sci. 22, 479–488 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42405-020-00333-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42405-020-00333-z

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