AERSP 506 - ROTORCRAFT DYNAMICS
Spring Semester 2003

 

Goals: To introduce and study key concepts related to the dynamics of rotary-wing vehicles (e.g. helicopters, tiltrotors). Key topics will include free vibration, dynamic response and forced vibrations, aeroelastic stability and aeromechanical stability. Both rigid blade and elastic blade dynamic models will be addressed and relevant topics in unsteady aerodynamics will be covered.
     
Professor:
 Dr. Ed Smith  
  233D Hammond
(Office Hours, Tuesday 11:00-12:00, Thursday 11:00-12:00 + open door and by appointment – email works best)
  863-0966  
  ecs@rcoe.psu.edu  
     
Class Time: Tuesday, Thursday 9:45-11:00
219 Willard		  
     
Prereqs: AERSP/ME 553 (or equivalent background in structural dynamics)  
  AERSP 504 (or equivalent background in basic helicopter aerodynamics)  
  (Minimum prerequisites include 1 course in fluid mechanics and 1 course in dynamics)
     
Texts: Required - Helicopter Theory , W. Johnson  
  Reference - Rotary-Wing Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity, R. L. Bielawa  
  Class Notes to be periodically handed out in class  
     
Content:
  1. Primer/Review on Helicopter Fundamentals (vehicle characteristics and trim)
  2. Flap Dynamics (mathematical techniques for rotating systems)
  3. Coupled Flap-Lag-Torsion Dynamics (inertial, elastic, and aerodynamic couplings)
  4. Unsteady Aerodynamics (attached and separated flow conditions)
  5. Aeroelastic Stability in Hover
  6. Rotor-Pylon Aeromechanical Stability (ground and air resonance, whirl flutter)
  7. Aeroelastic Stability in Forward Flight
  8. Introduction to Rotorcraft Wind Tunnel Testing
  9. Drive System Dynamics and Fuselage Vibration Control
     
Grading: 50% - Homework  
  20% - Mid-Term Exam  
  30% - Final Exam  
     
Notes: This is an advanced course, attendance is essential (we will not follow any single textbook)