Aeroelastic Analysis of Rotorcraft in Forward Flight Using Dynamic Inflow Model

In this study, the aeroelastic analysis of rotorcraft in forward flight has been performed using dynamic inflow model to handle unsteady aerodynamics. The quasi-steady airload model based on the blade element method has been coupled with dynamic inflow model developed by Peters and He. The nonlinear steady response to periodic motion is obtained by integrating the full finite element equation in time through a coupled trim procedure with a vehicle trim for stability analysis. The aerodynamic and structural characteristics of dynamic inflow model are validated against other numerical analysis results by comparing induced inflow and blade tip deflections(flap, lag). In order to validate aeroelastic stability of dynamic inflow model, lag damping are also compared with those of linear inflow model.