Blade Element Rotor Theory

This book presents an extension of the conventional blade element rotor theory to describe the dynamic properties of helicopter rotors. The presented theory focuses on the accurate mathematical determination of the forces and moments by which a rotor affects its rotorcraft at specified flight conditions and control positions. Analyzing the impact of a blade's non-uniform properties, the book covers blade twisting, the non-rectangular planform shape of a blade, and inhomogeneous airfoil along the blade. It discusses inhomogeneous induced airflow around a rotor disc in terms of the blade element rotor theory. This book also considers the impact of flapping hinge offset on the rotor's dynamic properties.

- Focuses on a comprehensive description and accurate determination of the rotor's aerodynamic properties

- Presents precise helicopter rotor properties with inhomogeneous aerodynamic properties of rotor blades

- Considers inhomogeneous distribution of induced flow

- Discusses a mathematical model of a main helicopter rotor for a helicopter flight simulator

This book is intended for graduate students and researchers studying rotor dynamics and helicopter flight dynamics