Aerodynamic Interference Between Wing and Lift Rotors on an eVTOL Aircraft

In this study, the aerodynamic interference mechanism between the main fixed wing and lift rotors in the hovering case is examined. The purpose is to obtain a design guideline for the lift rotor arrangement on a Lift+Cruise type eVTOL aircraft. First, using rFlow3D, a CFD simulation tool for rotary-wing aircraft, analyses are performed by varying the vertical and horizontal positions of the lift rotors relative to the main wing. Then, an experimental apparatus to measure the wing and lift rotor performance is fabricated, and experiments are conducted under the same conditions as rFlow3D to compare the two results and elucidate the aerodynamic interference mechanism between the fixed wing and lift rotors on an eVTOL aircraft. The analytical and experimental results show very good correlations. When the rotor is overlapped with the wing, noticeable download on the wing is observed.