Optimization of High Solidity Rotor Performance in a Martian Environment (Presentation Only)

Efforts to increase lift and range capabilities of Mars rotorcraft have determined through comprehensive analysis of chord-scaled rotors that a 6-bladed rotor with a thrust-weighted solidity of 0.3 (high solidity) offers significantly improved thrust and efficiency in a Martian environment. However, while the optimal blade number and thrust-weighted solidity configuration is important, optimization of chord and twist distributions as well as airfoil shape is necessary to fully optimize a rotor. This study utilized the Evolutionary aLgorithm for Iterative Studies of Aeromechanics (ELISA) genetic algorithm to optimize chord and twist distributions in conjunction with Comprehensive Analytical Model of Rotorcraft Aerodynamics and Dynamics (CAMRADII) analysis and optimized airfoil shape in conjunction with OVERFLOW analysis. This work was conducted under the Mars Exploration Program's High Solidity Testing task and supports both scientific and exploration concepts, such as the Chopper platform, as well as future Mars heavy‑lift vehicle concepts that could enable logistics for sustained human presence on Mars.