A Simplified Approach to Generalized Helicopter Configuration Modeling and the Prediction of Fuselage Surface Pressures

Abstract

An analytical method using well‐tried potential flow techniques has been developed to analyze the aerodynamic flow field on and about aircraft configurations. To simplify the use of the techniques, a computer aided method to generate analytical models of aircraft configurations has been developed. The method has demonstrated good correlation with experimental data and its potential for being a beneficial design tool. In addition, the computer modeling technique developed reduces user responsibility while accurately modeling the configuration analyzed.