Advanced Aeroelastic Optimization Applied to an Improved Performance, Low Vibration Rotor

This paper reviews Boeing’s continuing development of rotor optimization and its application to the design of advanced helicopter rotors. The use of derivative free optimization methods, workstation parallel processing and the Tech-02 rotor analysis code combined with the traditional gradient optimization method resulted in a new hybrid aeroelastic optimization tool. This new technology was used to perform a conceptual design for an improved 4-bladed rotor that has a 30 percent increase in thrust and a goal of no increase in vibration or rotor weight. The resulting optimized blade achieved the desired thrust increase while reducing vibration by 48 percent, reducing total flapping weight by 7 percent, and achieving infinite blade life.