Numerical Study on Low-Reynolds Compressible Flows around Mars Helicopter Rotor Blade Airfoil

High-speed rotor rotation under the low-density condition creates a special low-Reynolds compressible flow around blade airfoil where compressibility effect on laminar separated shear layer occurs. However, and shock wave generation associated with increase in Mach number (M) trend change due to their interference have not been clarified. The purpose is clear its impact of field aerodynamics. Therefore, we perform two-dimensional unsteady calculation by Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis using CLF5605 used Mars helicopter Ingenuity, which succeeded first flight Mars. conditions are set Reynolds (Re) at 75% span hovering (Re = 15,400), was varied from incompressible (M 0.2) transonic 1.2). solver FaSTAR developed Japan aerospace exploration agency (JAXA) used, calculations performed multiple angle attack (α) swept. results show that similar Earth’s atmosphere above M 1.0, such as bow leading edge, whereas λ-type waves observed over α 3° 0.80. no significant difference found Cp distribution between 0.6 0.8. From results, it surface pressure distribution, dominant aerodynamic characteristics.