Momentum Theory in

Forward Flight
In helicopter forward flight the rotor moves
through the air with an edgewise velocity
component that is parallel to the rotor plane
Since the helicopter rotor has to produced
both the lifting force and the propulsion force.
The rotor must be tilted forward at an AOA
relatively to the oncoming flow.
Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 1

The Dynamic Pressure varies

Radially and Azimuthally
Vtip=R
Vtip=R+V

Vtip=R-V
Vtip=R
Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 2

Force Balance in Hover

Drag

Thrust

Rotor Disk
Drag
Weight

In hover, T= W
The drag forces on the individual blades cancel
each other out, when summed up.

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 3

Glauerts flow model

To start this effort, we will need a very simple
inflow model.
A model proposed by Glauert (1926) is used.
This
model
is
phenomenological,
not
mathematically well founded.
It gives reasonable estimates of inflow velocity at
the rotor disk, and is a good starting point.
It also gives the correct results for an elliptically
loaded wing.
Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 4

Force Balance in Forward Flight

Thrust, T

Vehicle Drag, D

Flight Direction
Weight, W

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 5

Force Balance in Forward Flight

Rotor Disk

Flight Direction

c.g.

D
W
Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 6

Glauerts flow model

Freestream, V

Freestream, V

Total velocity, V

Induced velocity, vi

Freestream, V
Induced velocity, w
Total velocity, V

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 7

Total Velocity at the Rotor Disk

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 8

Conservation laws
Conservation of momentum in the direction
normal to the disk:
Conservation of energy in the same direction

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 9

Conservation laws
From the two previous equations we can write:
And reach the conclusion that w=2vi , the same
result was in the previous cases.
Knowing that the mass flow at the disk is AU:
In high speed forward flight V>>vi so:

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 10

Induce velocity
We know for the hover case that:

Then from the previous equation:

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 11

Non dimensional forms

The non-dimensional form using the tip speed R:

So that the non-dimensional induced velocity

equation can be written as:

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 12

Non dimensional forms

Since we already know that:
We can write:

Which requires a numerical solution

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 13

Approximate Form at
High Speed Forward Flight
If the advance ratio is higher than 0.2 and is
small, far exceeds the inflow ratio :

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 14

Variation of Non-Dimensional Inflow

with Advance Ratio

Notice that inflow velocity rapidly decreases with

advance ratio
Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 15

Variation of Non-Dimensional
Inflow with Advance Ratio

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 16

Power Consumption in
Forward Flight
The ideal power from Glauerts theory is
For the actual power we have to take into account
the blade profile power
From the equilibrium of forces Tsin=D so:
Where Tvi is the induce power and DV is the
Parasitic power
Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 17

Power Consumption in
Forward Flight
The induce power decrease with the advance ratio

The Parasite power can be calculated:

The Parasite power increases with the cube of the
forward velocity (or advance ratio )

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 18

Power in Forward Flight

Available Power

Induced Power, Tvi

Profile power

Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 19

Power Coefficient

Induced power

Profile Power

Parasite Power

1.15

CD is the vehicle parasite drag coefficient and S the reference

area. Because there is no agreement on a common reference
area it is customary to supply the product CDS=f equivalent
flat plate area
Helicopters / Filipe Szolnoky Cunha

Momentum Theory in Forward Flight

Slide 20