Advanced Beam Modeling Applied to Articulated Rotor - Implementation in HOST Aeromechanic Simulation Tool

Advanced beam modeling is one of the main research topics for Rotorcraft Comprehensive Analysis (RCA) simulation tools enhancement. HOST is the aeromechanic code developed by AIRBUS HELICOPTERS over the last 25 years and it is continuously upgraded to fit to the new needs. To study the most recent evolutions of rotors and blades (such as Blue Edge™ blades) new modeling strategies must be foreseen including an advanced model featuring all geometric and coupling effects of beam in centrifugal environment and a global modeling approach within the RCA software hosting all the simulation tools required for aircraft development. In this scope Airbus Helicopters has launched the development of Beam Advance Model (BAM) and its integration in HOST. After a short recall of BAM theoretical basis, this paper discusses the implementation strategy chosen for such an advanced model, presents the validation of the method and provides the first available results coming from a full integrated trim calculation on articulated rotor. Dynamic results on Blue Edge™ blade whirl tower test demonstrate the relevancy of BAM model while the validation of its implementation in HOST is presented on full-scale straight bladed rotors.