Combined stochastic rotorcraft blade tip geometry and autonomous system design

Purpose This study aims to propose a combined stochastic design strategy for rotorcraft owing swept tapered anhedral (STA) rotorcraft main rotor blade (RMRB) tip geometry and autonomous rotorcraft flight control system (RFCS) for minimizing control effort. Design/methodology/approach By taking into consideration formerly specified suggestions, control-oriented and physics-based rotorcraft models and a stochastic optimization methodology are implemented to minimize the control effort of the RFCS. Findings By applying a combined stochastic design strategy for rotorcraft with the STA RMRB tip, there is a significantly reduced control effort compared to rotorcraft that do not implement this relevant design approach. Practical implications A combined stochastic design strategy for rotorcrafts with STA MRB tip is very useful for saving control effort. Originality/value One of the essential contributions of this study is to apply a combined stochastic design strategy for finding the best geometry of the blade tip by considering blade sweep, blade taper and blade anhedral. The other substantial contribution of this study is to apply a stochastic optimization methodology for formerly declared suggestions. In this study, additionally, it is obtained that applying a combined stochastic design strategy for STA RMRB tip geometry owing rotorcraft and RFCS wastes less control effort than the one not applying this strategy. It also engenders lower energy waste and, accordingly, low carbon emissions.