HVAB Rotor Hover Predictions: From Rapid to High-Fidelity Simulations

Various methods are traditionally used in the helicopter rotor aerodynamics applications, ranging from high-fidelity CFD, which is the most computationally expensive, to much faster approaches based on lifting-line theory coupled with wake models. However, detailed assessments of these methods are still scarce. Here, we propose to evaluate a wide range of approaches (CFD, actuator line, vortex particle, free wake, and finite-state inflow) on the HVAB rotor in hover, for which an extensive experimental database is available. The analysis of the results enables a precise evaluation of the capabilities and limitations of each method in predicting performance, blade loading and rotor wake flow.