Dragging Dynamics
We have already seen that rotorblades lead and lag in the plane of rotation. We
will refer to these movements by using the term 'dragging'. When a blade drags, it must
also somehow return to its 'home' position (for sake of simplicity, we will
assume that there is a rotating frame of reference, see the next figure). The origin of the force with this function depends upon the type of rotorhead. In a hingeless rotorsystem, the blade
is more or less fixed to the rotorhead, and there is, thus, a particularly strong homing force because there is material stress when the rotorblade drags.
In a rotorsystem with drag hinges, these, to a great extent, prevent restorative moments. In these circumstances,
and due to a drag hinge offset, some restorative moment comes from the centrifugal force which produces it. This can be explained by looking at the next
figure. When the blade drags, the CM moves somewhat closer to the shaft. However, centrifugal
force wants to return the CM back to its original position. This generates a restoring force
(blue arrow).
Dragging forces drive a system that consists of a blade (mass) with restoring
moments (either due to material stress and /or due to centrifugal forces), which will resonate
at a certain frequency. This system
must be stable by providing an appropriate amount of damping. This damping cannot
be generated aerodynamically, as is the case with blade flapping. Therefore, some mechanical damping device is usually used (see picture).
Next topic > Ground Resonance
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Cyclic & Collective
- The title of this book leads me to wonder what more it will teach me in addition to its content about these two, most frequently used, helicopter input controls. As it turns out, the answer is: a lot more. Of course, all of the obligatory subjects like basic physics, rotor aerodynamics and helicopter performance are dealt with as well, as are piston engine and basic helicopter manoeuvres. Yet the scope of this book is actually much wider than one might initially think.
Firstly, it is divided into a 'beginners’ and an 'advanced’ section. This means that the book can treat more complex concepts in depth, even though the focus in the first section is directed more towards newcomers to the field.
Secondly, subjects like turbine engines, multi-engine helicopters and autopilots are also examined. This is particularly helpful, since these topics are not usually covered in the majority of helicopter books aimed at this target audience.
Thirdly, the book deals with many things that you will not normally find in a text book: helicopter related experiences and a great deal of interesting detail. This is the sort of information that can only be provided if you have flown a lot of different helicopters and have been working in this industry for some time. What’s more, this tone is amplified by the consistently narrative style of the book.
- 536 pages
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Art of the Helicopter (Hardback)
- Well structured text that covers many technical aspects. It starts with an introduction to helicopters, followed by a treatment of
the technical background needed when studying them. Thereafter, dynamics, rotor systems, engines and transmission are explained in detail.
The book concludes with a section on performance and other types of rotorcraft. Its main asset is that the text is technically and
theoretically very accurate, and rather than mathematics, its focus is always on enabling the reader to achieve an understanding of
helicopters from a technical or engineering point of view. The more technically orientated reader will love this work.
- 416 pages
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Principles of Helicopter Flight (Paperback)
- If you are wondering how a helicopter flies, and really want to comprehend the process, you have no choice but to delve into
aerodynamics. This means not only understanding which forces play a role and the laws of physics, but also being able to put it all
together and apply your knowledge to a rotating system consisting of a number of rotor blades. This is a demanding task and requires
some very hard work. It is, undoubtedly, worth the effort though, and will help you to become a better pilot. There are many books out
there to help you with this task of exploring the principles of helicopter flight, but they tend to fall into two camps:
populist and taking a rather simplistic approach, or highly technical and assuming the reader has a degree in mathematics.
This book is different, because it clearly explains the principles of flight in a step by step way that is easy for most
readers to follow. Further benefits are that a lot of attention is paid to flight manoeuvres and operations, and every chapter
concludes with questions as a study aid.
- 320 pages
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