Title: Calculation of Tilt Rotor Aeroacoustic Model (TRAM DNW) Performance, Airloads, and Structural Loads
Abstract: The tiltrotor aircraft configuration has the potential to revolutionize air transportation by providing an economical combination of vertical take-off and landing capability with efficient, high-speed cruise flight. To achieve this potential it is necessary to have validated analytical tools that will support future tiltrotor aircraft development. These analytical tools must calculate tiltrotor aeromechanical behavior, including performance, structural loads, vibration, and aeroelastic stability, with an accuracy established by correlation with measured tiltrotor data. For many years such correlation has been performed for helicopter rotors (rotors designed for edgewise flight), but correlation activities for tiltrotors have been limited, in part by the absence of appropriate measured data. The recent test of the Tilt Rotor Aeroacoustic Model (TRAM) with a single, 1/4-scale V-22 rotor in the German-Dutch Wind Tunnel (DNW) now provides an extensive set of aeroacoustic, performance, and structural loads data. This paper will document correlation between the TRAM DNW measured performance and structural loads data and CAMRAD II calculations. CAMRAD II is a modern rotorcraft comprehensive analysis, with advanced models intended for application to tiltrotor aircraft as well as helicopters. Comprehensive analyses have received extensive correlation with performance and loads measurements on helicopter rotors. The proposed paper is the initial effort to perform an equally extensive correlation with tiltrotor data. The correlation will establish the level of predictive capability achievable with current technology; identify the limitations of the current aerodynamic, wake, and structural models of tiltrotors; and lead to recommendations for research to extend tiltrotor aeromechanics analysis capability. The purpose of the Tilt Rotor Aeroacoustic Model (TRAM) experimental project is to provide data necessary to validate tiltrotor performance and aeroacoustic prediction methodologies and to investigate and demonstrate advanced civil tiltrotor technologies. The TRAM project is a key part of the NASA Short Haul (Civil Tiltrotor) (SH(CT)) project . The SH(CT) project is an element of the Aviation Systems Capacity Initiative within NASA.
Publication Year: 2000
Publication Date: 2000-11-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 27
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot