AEROMECHANIC CONSIDERATIONS IN THE DESIGN OF A ROTOR WITH SMART MATERIAL ACTUATED TRAILING EDGE FLAPS

The present study covers the conceptual sizing and design of a full scale demonstration system to provide active control of noise and vibrations as well as inflight blade tracking for the MD-900 helicopter. Active control is achieved via a trailing edge flap and trim tab, both driven by on-blade smart material actuators. Results show that careful selection of the airfoil/flap aerodynamic parameters and blade/flap/actuator dynamic parameters is required to arrive at a feasible concept.