Abstract:
Recent advances in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow simulation has resulted in the accurate prediction of hover performance and vortex wake resolution that significantly exceeds the accuracy and scope provided by many legacy experiments. New experiments are needed to further validate these CFD codes, including the measurement of figure of merit within a few tenths percent error, detailed sectional loads, surface pressures, and wake surveys. This study is part of an exploratory exercise for a proposed NASA hover experiment to meet these modern objectives. Navier-Stokes simulations have been carried out for a 5ft radius rotor within the Rotor Test Cell (RTC) and the National Full-scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). CFD is used to assess and understand facility effects on hover performance by comparing facility simulations with free-air conditions. Recommendations are provided to help select a facility.