4/6/2011 Transverse Flow Effect

In forward flight, air passing through the rear portion of the rotor disk has a greater downwash angle
than air passing through the forward portion. This is due to that air being accelerated for a longer
period of time as it travels to the rear of the rotor system.

The downward flow at

the rear of the rotor
disk causes a reduced
angle of attack,
resulting in less lift.
Increased angle of
attack and more lift is
produced at the front
portion of the disk
because airflow is
more horizontal.
These differences
between the fore and
aft parts of the rotor
disk are called
transverse flow
effect. They cause
unequal drag in the
fore and aft parts of
the disk resulting in
vibrations that are
easily recognizable by
the pilot. The
vibrations are more
noticeable for most
helicopters between
10 and 20 knots.

So, what does this mean to us pilot's? Well, the result is a tendancy for the helicopter to roll slightly
to the Right as it accelerates through approximately 20 knots or if the headwind is approximately 20
knots. (Assuming a counterclockwise main rotor rotation, reverse for a clockwise rotation).

You can recognize transverse flow effect because of increased vibrations of the helicopter at
airspeeds just below effective translational lift (ETL) on takeoff and just passing through ETL during
landing.

To counteract transverse flow effect, a cyclic input will be needed to correct the rolling tendancy.

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