Reduction of Blade-Vortex Interaction (BVI) noise through X-force control

Abstract

Momentum theory and the longitudinal force balance equations of a single rotor helicopter are used to develop simple expressions to describe tip-path-plane tilt and uniform inflow to the rotor. The uniform inflow is adjusted to represent the inflow at certain azimuthal locations where strong Blade-Vortex Interaction (BVI) is likely to occur. This theoretical model is then used to describe the flight conditions where BVI is likely to occur and to explore those flight variables that can be used to minimize BVI noise radiation. A new X-force control is introduced to help minimize BVI noise. Several methods of generating the X-force are presented that can be used to alter the inflow to the rotor and thus increasing the likelihood of avoiding BVI during approaches to a landing.