Full-scale Rotor Aerodynamics on Small Models Using Compressed Air

by Dr. Mark A. Miller

Abstract: Full-scale rotorcraft aerodynamics are challenging to study in the field due to the lack of control over ambient conditions as well as the complexity of operating a full-scale vehicle.

An alternative approach being explored at Penn State uses small models in a highly compressed air environment to achieve flight-relevant aerodynamics. Results will be presented regarding the performance scaling in hover and axial climb for the NASA Dragonfly single rigid rotor geometry. The utility of compressed air testing is demonstrated by the relative ease of achieving operationally relevant scales (Reynolds numbers) using a single, physically smaller model geometry.

This project is supported by the Penn State Vertical Lift Center of Excellence (Director: Dr. Ed Smith)