Multi Rotor Safety (A89_A11L.UAS.137)
This research will enhance understanding of the severity and safety implications of a multirotor blade loss, the potential for cascading propulsion system failure, and safety analysis approaches to evaluate this hazard. The proposed research will conduct a blade release analysis, including impact, rotor imbalance, dynamic structural response, and a system safety hazard analysis, on a representative Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. This work is intended to adapt and leverage existing knowledge, tools, and techniques (such as the dynamic finite element solvers and other analytical methodsand/or other computer simulation tools and associated best practices) developed for traditional turbofan aircraft and evaluate their application to AAM unducted multirotor configurations. Novel aircraft and engine configurations, such as multirotor eVTOL aircraft, will face a different safety threat from liberated blade fragments compared to current turboprops and ducted turbofans. The research aims to develop a realistic understanding of the safety consequences of blade loss on a representative multirotor aircraft configuration. Therefore, the performer may need to pursue cooperative research with industry and new AAM entrants as necessary.
TEAM: NIAR
POC:
Gerardo Olivares, Ph.D.
Director, Advanced Virtual Engineering and Testing Laboratories
National Institute for Aviation Research
Wichita State University
Email: Gerardo.Olivares@wichita.edu
Phone: 316.680.1817
Participating Schools
