Computational Study of a Transverse Rotor Aircraft in Hover Using the Unsteady Vortex Lattice Method

Abstract

This paper presents the simulation of a two-rotor aircraft in different geometric configurations during hover flight. The analysis was performed using an implementation of the unsteady vortex-lattice method (UVLM). A description of the UVLM is presented as well as the techniques used to enhance the stability of results for rotors in hover flight. The model is validated for an isolated rotor in hover, comparing numerical results to experimental data (high-Reynolds, low-Mach conditions). Results show that an exclusion of the root vortex generates a more stable wake, without affecting results. Results for the two-rotor aircraft show an important influence of the number of blades on the vertical thrust. Furthermore, the geometric configuration has a considerable influence on the pitching moment.