Rotorcraft: From Simulation Modelling to Handling Qualities

The aim of the “Rotorcraft: From simulation modelling to handling qualities” research group is to fundamentally improve the modelling and simulation of rotorcraft (helicopter, tiltrotor, compound VTOL). The picture below shows the complexity of the flow for an helicopter. It represents a visualisation of the  rotor flow after the application of a step input in the longitudinal cyclic control (unloaded rotor). It shows indeed the challenging aerodynamic environment of the rotorcraft which when combined with the dynamics of the structure make the modelling and simulation of rotorcraft a demanding task.

(Jessurun, K.P., Pavel, M.D., & Toet, S. (2001). Understanding the Transient Effects of Rotor Apparent Mass on Helicopter Control Response in Rapid Cyclic and/or Collective Inputs. Proceedings of the 27^th European Rotorcraft Forum, Moscow, Russia)

Our research concentrates on establishing a rational and systematic framework for physics-based modelling and simulation at rotorcraft applicable to the practices and processes involved in flight dynamics modelling, flight simulator development and handling qualities.The models we develop are according to the application considered and to the required level of fidelity.