Assessment of Aerodynamic Torque on Propeller Whirl Flutter and Its Control

This paper investigates the role of the aerodynamic torque on propeller whirl flutter stability. The generalized force due to the torque is first computed and subsequently included in the equations of motion of a rigid propeller–pylon system. Preliminary evaluations indicate that the torque modifies the real part of the backward and forward modes, providing a stabilizing effect on powered propellers. Analyses are conducted on a three-bladed propeller driven by an electric motor. Stability predictions are obtained with a simple analytical model and validated by multibody simulations coupled with a mid-fidelity aerodynamic solver based on a vortex particle method. Furthermore, a simple control law acting on the propeller’s collective pitch and rotational speed is presented. The control variables are modified to increase the whirl flutter stability margins without altering the trim conditions of the aircraft. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, although propeller efficiency is reduced. The outcomes are also confirmed with a detailed model featuring a flexible pylon. In a failure scenario, the control law can be exploited to compensate for a weak mounting stiffness, allowing the aircraft to land safely.