Design optimization of rotor blade tip configuration for high performance and noise reduction

Abstract

Light Civil Helicopter with improved rotor blades is being developed in Korea. In order to improve hover performance and to reduce required power and forward flight noise, tip shape optimization of rotor blade is performed by using multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization framework. The single sweep tip is superior to approach noise and dynamic load of pitch link in particular. It is inferred that the single sweep tip is the optimal solution. The optimal design is analyzed in noise condition using CFD/CSD coupling method to validate results from MDAO process. The single sweep tip shape has lower noise level than baseline. In order to evaluate safety margins and life cycle of structural components, limit loads of baseline and single sweep tip are analyzed and compared by using designed section properties of tip region.