Figure 2-5

HELICOPTER AERODYNAMICS WORKBOOK

CHAPTER 2

Figure 2-5

The Momentum Theory adequately provides an explanation for no-wind, hovering flight, but

it does not cover all of the bases.

Figure 2-6

The Blade Element Theory picks up where the Momentum Theory leaves off. The

conditions at the blade element are diagramed in figure 2-6. The blade "sees" a combination of

rotational flow and downward induced flow (figure 2-7) called relative wind, a downward

pointing velocity vector. The AOA is the angle formed between the relative wind and the chord

line, and the pitch angle is formed between the TPP and the chord line. Lift, which is the total

aerodynamic force perpendicular to the local vector velocity, or relative wind, is tilted aft. This

rearward component generated by lift is induced drag, formed from the acceleration of a mass of

air (downwash) and the energy spent in the creation of trailing vortices. The remaining arrow

labeled profile drag is the result of air friction acting on the blade element. Profile drag is made

up of viscous drag (skin friction) and wake drag, which is the drag produced from the low

velocity/low static pressure air formed in the wake of each blade.

ROTOR BLADE AERODYNAMICS 2-5