Simulation of active twist rotor blades using a thermal analogy method

Abstract A conventional 1D beam structural model from numerically obtained cross-sectional data was compared to a 2D/3D finite element (FE) model from geometry and material data for weakly fluid and structure-coupled rotor blade analysis. The commercial structural solver MSC NASTRAN was used to compare the static and dynamic structural properties of both approaches. Model blades with available experimental data were used to verify the employed computational framework. Piezoelectric actuator patches for active control were modelled with FEs, using a thermal analogy method. A framework for direct loads and deformation interpolation between structural and fluid flow solvers was used. This achieved a high-fidelity simulation of the aerodynamic, structural and servo-structural components. Degradation of actuator effectiveness under centrifugal force was demonstrated. Hovering rotor results for beam and FE method (FEM) models are shown, building towards an accurate simulation of periodic and non-periodic flight conditions with 3D piezoelectric structural models in the near future. FEM–CFD coupling will accelerate blade design by additionally considering the structural stresses in the simulation phase and the potential integration of on-blade actuators and sensors.