Coupled Linearized Unsteady Vortex Lattice Method and Viscous Vortex Particle Method for Whirl Flutter Prediction

This paper introduces an eigenvalue-based whirl flutter prediction method accounting for aerodynamic interactions between a wing and propeller. The linearized unsteady vortex lattice method was utilized to model fixed-wing aerodynamics while the linearized viscous vortex particle method was utilized to model rotary-wing aerodynamics. The complete aerodynamics model was then coupled with computational structural models to demonstrate the capabilities of the model to predict whirl flutter using an eigenvalue-based method. Two computational structural models were used: the first being an analytical propeller model affixed to a rigid wing via root springs and dampers, and the second being the University of Michigan's Nonlinear Aeroelastic Simulation Toolbox. These models demonstrate the capabilities of the linearized aerodynamics model in predicting instability with structural models of different fidelities, both considering and not considering aerodynamic interactions. The linearized aerodynamics model predicts a reasonable aeroelastic solution when coupled with the structural models, but requires more investigation as to whether aerodynamic interactions are being sufficiently captured.