A Vision-Based Technique for in-Flight Measurement of Helicopter Blade Motion

ABSTRACTFlight testing is both vital for collecting data for aeronautic research and at the same time fascinating for its contributors. Taking a glider as a versatile test bed example, this paper presents a transnational measurement campaign within the framework of a collaborative project funded by the European Commission. This project Advanced In-Flight Measurement Techniques 2 (AIM²) is a follow-up of Advanced In-Flight Measurement Techniques (AIM) and dedicated to developing and enhancing promising optical metrology for various flight test applications up to an industrial level.The Image Pattern Correlation Technique (IPCT) and infrared thermography (IRT) are two of these modern non-intrusive measurement methods that were further developed and applied to the glider test bed within the scope of AIM². Focusing on optical deformation measurements with IPCT the experimental setup, the flight testing and results are summarily discussed. Gliders are not commonly used flight test platforms, which is why this contribution concludes with some lessons learned in general and especially related to the presented application. The experience to be shared with the flight testing community addresses equipment preparation, data collection and processing as well as how to meet official requirements and perform test flight operations in a dense controlled airspace.

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Optimization of Vibration Reduction in a Helicopter Blade With 2 Way Fluid-Structure Interaction

Volume 1: Development and Characterization of Multifunctional Materials; Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Adaptive Systems; Integrated System Design and Implementation ◽

10.1115/smasis2018-8017 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Mürüvvet Sinem Sicim ◽

Metin Orhan Kaya

Keyword(s):

Cantilever Beam ◽

Fiber Orientation ◽

Structural Model ◽

Fiber Composite ◽

Vibration Reduction ◽

Fluid Structure Interaction ◽

Fluid Structure ◽

Helicopter Blade ◽

Structure Interaction ◽

Blade Model

The main goal of this study is the optimization of vibration reduction on helicopter blade by using macro fiber composite (MFC) actuator under pressure loading. Due to unsteady aerodynamic conditions, vibration occurs mainly on the rotor blade during forward flight and hover. High level of vibration effects fatigue life of components, flight envelope, pleasant for passengers and crew. In this study, the vibration reduction phenomenon on helicopter blade is investigated. 3D helicopter blade model is used to perform the aeroelastic behavior of a helicopter blade. Blade design is created by Spaceclaim and finite element analysis is conducted by ANSYS 19.0. Generated model are solved via Fluent by using two-way fluid-solid coupling analysis, then the analyzed results (all aerodynamic loads) are directly transferred to the structural model. Mechanical results (displacement etc.) are also handed over to the Fluent analysis by helping fluid-structure interaction interface. Modal and harmonic analysis are performed after FSI analysis. Shark 120 unmanned helicopter blade model is used with NACA 23012 airfoil. The baseline of the blade structure consists of D spar made of unidirectional Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer +45°/−45° GFRP skin. MFC, which was developed by NASA’s Langley Research Center for the shaping of aerospace structures, is applied on both upper and lower surfaces of the blade to reduce the amplitude in the twist mode resonant frequency. D33 effect is important for elongation and to observe twist motion. To foresee the behavior of the MFC, thermo-elasticity analogy approach is applied to the model. Therefore, piezoelectric voltage actuation is applied as a temperature change on ANSYS. The thermal analogy is validated by using static behavior of cantilever beam with distributed induced strain actuators. Results for cantilever beam are compared to experimental results and ADINA code results existing in the literature. The effects of fiber orientation of MFC actuator and applied voltage on vibration reduction on helicopter blade are represented. The study shows that torsion mode determines the optimum placement of actuators. Fiber orientation of the MFC has few and limited influences on results. Additionally, the voltage applied on MFC has strong effects on the results and they must be selected according to applied model.

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