Numerical Analysis of Rotor/Propeller Aerodynamic Interactions on a High-Speed Compound Helicopter

In the context of development high-speed compound helicopters, main rotor may not be an efficient propulsive device at high speeds and adding a propeller is means to enable higher speed. On such configuration, low speed, propellers are in strong interactions with wake which affects their performance aircraft maneuverability. The present work numerically investigates aerodynamics rotor/propeller interaction on rotorcraft similar Racer from Airbus Helicopters. Through comparison two different levels fidelity for three advance ratios, it shown that ratio, simple free model suitable give most effects, while hover, full computational fluid dynamics (CFD) unsteady computation necessary better capture all unsteadiness interaction. detailed analysis CFD results also outlines behaviors when fully inside or out it, therefore need precise control transition between hover fast forward flight.