93849 - Helicopters

Learning outcomes

Starting from the decoupled and linearized equations of motion, fundamentals of aircraft feedback control are addressed. Design tools for aircraft stability augmentation systems and autopilots are developed.

Course contents

• History and evolution of rotary-wing aircraft.

• Principles of flight of conventional helicopters, analysis of configurations, and discussion about sample technology solutions.

• Review of Momentum Theory results from Applied Aerodynamics analysis.

• The degrees of freedom and control of a rotor.

• Blade Element Theory in forward flight.

• Performance analysis and optimization: endurance and range in level flight for combustion-engine helicopters.

• Equations of motion of a conventional helicopter, modeled as a rigid body.

• Analysis of blade flapping and lagging motion.

• Trim, linearization, and analysis of dynamic modes.

• Handling Qualities and Attitude and Velocity Control systems design.

• Outline of a numerical (Matlab/Simulink-based) model for piloted simulation.

Readings/Bibliography

• J. Gordon Leishman, Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics, Second Edition, Cambridge Aerospace Series, Cambridge University Press, 2006.

• Wayne Johnson, Helicopter Theory, Dover Books on Aeronautical Engineering, 1995.

• Raymond Prouty, Helicopter Performance, Stability, and Control, Krieger Pub Co., 2001.

• Gareth D. Padfield, Helicopter Flight Dynamics: The Theory and Application of Flying Qualities and Simulation Modelling, Second Edition, Blackwell Publishing, 2007.

• Peter D. Talbot, et al., A mathematical model of a single main rotor helicopter for piloted simulation, NASA Technical Memorandum (TM) 84281, NASA, 1982.

• Brian L. Stevens, Frank L. Lewis, Eric N. Johnson, Aircraft Control and Simulation, Third Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2016.

• Class notes.

Teaching methods

• Class lectures on digital whiteboard (exclusively in-presence).

• Collaborative computer programming in Matlab/Simulink environment.

• Numerical exercises and simulations.

• Eventual educational visits and laboratory activities.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a single practical and oral session in which the student is requested to:

• Answer (oral and written) theoretical questions about the overall course program.

• Solve numerical exercises through Matlab/Simulink tools.

Teaching tools

• Digital whiteboard.

• MathWorks products for computer programming (latest versions of Matlab/Simulink with full-packages installation).

• Unmanned small-scale rotorcraft demonstrators.

Office hours

See the website of Fabrizio Giulietti

See the website of Emanuele Luigi De Angelis