View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-1765.vid
The usage of microstructures (Riblets) on rotor blades on a helicopter is investigated. The microstructures reduce the viscous drag in the turbulent boundary layer on the rotor blade. The aerodynamic design of the rotor blade is built of airfoils which are twisted and changed in span-wise direction. With Riblet technology additional aerodynamic benefits could be achieved, by an improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. A laser processing technology will be utilized to generate Riblets on the rotor blades. Results show promising impact of the Riblets if used on the turbulent area right after the metallic leading edge. Up to 4% less power consumption is achieved. This has large impact on the range of the helicopter and is key for those kinds of aircraft where surveillance missions play an important role. In this paper, also different numerical approaches are presented, as well as the laser technology that will be used for the engraving of the Riblets. In the future, the verification of the Riblet technology will be done with a whirl tower test facility.
