Combined Analytical and Experimental Approaches to Rotor and Dynamic Component Stress Predictions Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-021 Topic Title: Combined Analytical and Experimental Approaches to Rotor and Dynamic Component Stress Predictions Proposal No.: N081-021-1368 Firm: Global Engineering Research and Technologies 2845 E. 2nd Street Tucson, Arizona 85716-4108 Contact: Ali Boufelfel Phone: (520) 250-1399 Abstract: Recent studies have made an attempt to couple computational structural dynamic tools with sophisticated computational fluid dynamic (CFD) solvers. The CFD approach is still at a nascent stage and discrepancies can be observed in both phase and amplitude of the predicted load. Due to the inefficiencies of the currently available aerodynamic models, load predictions will have to rely on experimentally measured aerodynamic loads. Therefore, a coupled approach involving both an analytical methodology for structural analysis and experimentally measured aerodynamic loads should be employed to predict individual component loads as well as the stress and strain field in critical locations. These results can then be utilized for damage tolerance and failure prediction of the individual components. The structural model should not only be able to capture the dynamic load experienced by components such as the pitch link, swashplate, hub or trailing edge flap but also detailed stress and strain field in each ply of the composite blade. Therefore, a validated three- dimensional analysis capability is required for structural dynamic analysis of rotor blades to make accurate load and stress predictions. For this purpose, Global Engineering and Research Technologies will improve and validate an existing in-house code. Benefits: The resulting software/technology will serve as the foundation to meet the future needs of helicopter industry. This program addresses the development of a validated methodology that is projected to serve DOD and non-DOD helicopter companies in their design and development effort. The proposed approach will be the hallmark in helicopter industry, and will be rapidly accepted into markets of interest. Return