Aerodynamic analysis of flow over rotors using computational fluid dynamics methods

Detailed experimental and computational studies are needed to meet proper working conditions of rotary wing systems. The fact that rotary wing systems' flight mechanics and aerodynamic specifications are mucj more complex than fixed wind systems, must be kept in mind during these studies. Besides, aerospace industry's basic capability expectations from a standart rotorcraft, such as efficiency, high altitude, high flight speed, low drag (hence low fuel consumption), increase the value of researches. All of these effects are more important for the contries like Turkey, that aim to develop in aerospace industry. Computational analysis and simulation verifications along with the wind tunnel experiments and flight tests are the most important and common methods during these studies. Design of a rotor system starts with airfoil design and research. If present desings are going to be used, then experimental and computational studies must be examined. Also new studies should be carried out if necessary. In this thesis, studies are conducted in the same pattern described above, with the goal of aerodynamic analysis of rotors in hover. SU2 (Stanford University Unstructured) is used as open-sourced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) solver. In order to further the analysis and examine the results step by step, more complex geometries and flow conditions are selected. Thus an integrated CFD study has been carried out. Studies start with basic aerodynamic geometry; flat plate. After 2D airfoil and 3D wing analysis, a rotor study has been carried out. 2D airfoil cases are verified for lift, drag and pressure coefficients with high accuracy. This encourages for 3D cases which are carried out with acceptable results. In these simulations, phenomenas like stall, flow seperation and shocks are observed. Finally differences between flow over a fixed wing and flow over a rotor wing are highlighted.