A reduced order methodology for the parametric analysis of rotor aerodynamics

A reduced order methodology, based on Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and multidimensional interpolation, is proposed for the parametric study of rotor flows under hovering conditions. The POD-based methodology makes no simplification of the complexity of the three-dimensional, viscous turbulent flow generated by the rotor but still yields accurate solutions at a fraction of the time required by standard CFD. The use of interpolation techniques other than projection operators allows dealing in a unified manner with experimental data, CFD computations or a combination of both. The method provides fast and accurate solutions for local flow details and integral quantities like aerodynamic coefficients. The POD-based methodology is demonstrated to have a multiplier effect on wind tunnel and CFD simulations of rotorcraft aerodynamics and as a potential powerful methodology to construct a new generation of rotorcraft simulators.