Course

Introduction to Helicopter Aerodynamics & Dynamics

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

Course topics:

  1. Introduction:
    • Historical Development of Helicopters.
    • Helicopter Configuration.
    • Control Requirements.
    • Types of Rotor Systems.
    • Basic Power Requirements.
  2. Introduction to Hovering Theory:
    • Momentum Theory.
    • Blade Element Theory.
    • Combined Blade Element and Momentum theories for non uniform inflow calculation.
    • Ideal Rotor Vs Optimum Rotor.
  3. Vertical Flight:
    • Various flow states of Rotor.
    • Autorotation in Vertical Descent.
    • Ground Flight.
  4. Forward Flight:
    • Momentum Theory.
    • Variable Infow Models.
    • Blade Element Theory.
    • Rotor Reference Planes.
    • Hub Loads.
    • Power variation with forward speed.
    • Rotor Blade flapping Motion: Simple Model.
  5. Helicopter Trim and Stability:
    • Equilibrium condition of helicopter.
    • Trim analysis.
    • Basics of helicopter stability.
Course Lectures