APPLICATION OF COMPONENT MODE SYNTHESIS TO MODELING THE DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF BEARINGLESS MAIN ROTORS

The paper describes an approach which uses component mode synthesis and an existing set of coding assets to model a Bearingless Main Rotor and shows that the resulting tool is practical and versatile. Comparisons are given between dual and single load path models to illustrate the scope of applicability and inadequacies of the single load path approximation. It was found that inclusion of the torque tube was necessary for vibratory loads predictions at the blade passage frequency for the case studied. Solutions based on single load path models were shown to be adequate for hover stability predictions in comparisons with the dual load path solution and test data for a 1/6th Froude scale model BMR. Run time efficiency was found to be satisfactory.