Figure 3-18

CHAPTER 3

HELICOPTER AERODYNAMICS WORKBOOK

DISSYMMETRY OF LIFT

To begin this discussion, we need to backtrack all the way to rotor system control. In a no-

wind hover, the rotational velocity each blade sees throughout each revolution is equal. In

forward flight, the velocity distribution varies (figure 3-18). The advancing side of the rotor disc

sees a combination of rotor speed and forward airspeed (movement through the air mass) which

is faster than the retreating side, which sees a combination of rotor speed and a "reduced"

forward airspeed. For a given pitch setting, and AOA, an equal amount of lift will be produced

throughout the rotor disc in a no-wind hover, but in forward flight, the advancing side will

generate more lift, thus developing a rolling moment. The ingenious method of equalizing this

dissymmetry of lift in forward flight is to allow the blades to flap. By connecting the blades to

the hub by a method which allows a flexible up-down motion, the advancing blade, which

encounters higher lift, begins to flap upward. The retreating blade, which encounters less lift,

flaps downward. Flapping equilibrium is found at a point where the rotor system has an AOA

which compensates for changes in airspeed throughout the rotor disk revolution.

Figure 3-18

3-16 HELICOPTER POWERED FLIGHT ANALYSIS