Exploration and Analysis of Rotor System Designs with Varying Diameters in the Context of Helicopter Technology

Abstract

The operational procedure of the helicopter requires the maintenance of a consistent velocity to ensure that the rotor blade tip remains within the subsonic threshold during forward flight. However, this approach leads to the drawback of heightened energy consumption. This research was designed to confront this challenge head-on, with the aim of augmenting energy efficiency by enhancing the helicopter performance in both hovering and forward flight scenarios. In order to realize this objective, the focus is on optimizing the rotor structure, particularly the rotor blades, with the aim of enabling dynamic adjustments to the rotor diameter. In order to validate the feasibility of this variable diameter adjustment mechanism, the study begins with a theoretical approach. Subsequently, simulations were conducted employing numerical mechanical analysis. The ultimate goal of these approaches is to compare the equivalent stress experienced by the tool material with its elastic limit. The outcomes stemming from both the theoretical and simulation-based methodologies have culminated in a comparative evaluation of the tool performance. This assessment allowed us to validate successfully the suitability and effectiveness of the chosen approach.