Helicopter CFD Simulation by Transient Solver, ANSYS Fluent Training

In this project, the rotation of helicopter wings is simulated in transient time formulation. The results, including net upward force, wing tip speed, and Tip Speed Ratio (TSR), are investigated by ANSYS Fluent software. We perform this CFD project and investigate it by CFD analysis.

The present model is designed in three dimensions using Design Modeler software. The geometry for analyzing this simulation consists of a room and a balcony. The meshing of the model has been done using ANSYS Meshing software. The element number is 937677.

Methodology

To generate upward movement in aerodynamic applications, movement of a certain amount of air in the downward direction is needed, generating upward motion. For helicopters, this air movement is done using a propeller consisting of 2 or more wing-shaped geometries rotating around a center.

The propeller is aerodynamically designed to force air to flow over it and increase the air pressure under the wing. In this simulation, the propeller rotates with an angular velocity equal to 1250 rpm in the Y direction.

The Mesh Motion option simulates the rotating motion of helicopter blades. Moreover, the RNG k-epsilon model is exploited to solve turbulent fluid equations.

Conclusion

At the end of the solution process, two-dimensional contours related to the velocity, pressure, turbulent viscosity, and streamlines are obtained. As in streamlines, the helicopter blades' rotation also caused a rotating motion inside the air.

Also, based on the calculations performed in the software, the Pressure difference between under and over the helicopter geometry equals 5 Pa. Maximum air velocity in the domain is equal to 2 m/s. Air velocity at the wing tip, which has the maximum velocity magnitude on the wing length, is equal to 1.96 m/s.