Multi-Objective Multi-Fidelity Helicopter Rotor Optimization
Onur Okumus, Murat Şenipek, Alper Ezertas · AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum · 2022
View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-2099.vid In this paper, multi-objective airfoil and blade planform aerodynamic design optimization is performed for a conventional helicopter main rotor. Objectives are defined for different flight conditions such as hover and high-speed cruise conditions. CFD based airfoil optimization is performed by Star CCM+ and HEEDS by using Class Shape Transformation parametrization. Airfoil candidates are optimized both inboard and outboard span-wise locations of rotor blade. Aerodynamic databases of feasible airfoil candidates are generated to perform comprehensive rotorcraft analysis. Full helicopter mathematical model is created in CAMRAD II for comprehensive analysis of main rotor design for different flight conditions. CAMRAD II is coupled with multi-objective design optimization tool HEEDS including both hover and high-speed cruise objectives. Not only airfoil shape but also blade geometric properties such as twist, tip sweep and tip anhedral are integrated into design optimization framework. Pareto fronts are obtained for multiple design objectives. Feasible alternatives are assessed in terms of hover and high-speed performance and rotor loads. Optimized planform is selected, and results are compared with baseline blade design.