Rotor-Airwake Aerodynamic Coupling in Real-Time Simulation Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-195 Topic Title: Rotor-Airwake Aerodynamic Coupling in Real-Time Simulation Proposal No.: N103-195-0143 Firm: Combustion Research and Flow Technology, Inc. 6210 Kellers Church Road Pipersville, Pennsylvania 18947 Contact: Jeremy Shipman Phone: (215) 766-1520 Web Site: www.craft-tech.com Abstract: An innovative approach for incorporating the coupled interaction between a ship airwake and rotor downwash in real-time dynamic interface simulations is proposed. The approach will use a database of high-fidelity ship-alone and coupled rotor-ship airwake CFD simulations to train an artificial neural network (ANN) based model of the recirculation effects due to the rotor downwash interaction with ship structures. Once trained, the ANN model will provide a real-time correction factor to the rotor inflow velocities used by the rotor model in the flight simulation. The ANN model will thus provide a portable, fast-running, plug-in model to the flight simulator that will work with the current rotor and airwake models employed in the NAVAIR Manned Flight Simulator (MFS). Phase I will evaluate the feasibility of this approach for a single ship-rotorcraft combination and a fixed approach path, and assess the suitability of the model by comparing to a fully coupled CFD simulation. In Phase II, the ANN model would be trained with a larger database of simulations, expanding the applicability of the model for a full helicopter simulation, and be implemented into the MFS flight simulator. Phase III would involve expanding the model for all ship-aircraft combinations of interest. Benefits: The proposed research program provides the foundation for developing a rotor recirculation model that when incorporated into the MFS will increase the fidelity and realism of helicopter flight simulation. The program intends to leverage the tools and experience in dynamic interface modeling that CRAFT Tech has developed over the past several years in support of NAVY research efforts to increase the use of modeling and simulation tools for manned flight simulation. Although the proposed research is focused on a specific model for Navy flight simulator development, the ANN-based approach will have applicability to other flight simulation models and environments both for rotorcraft and fixed wing applications, as well as UAV applications. The commercial market for the proposed technology encompasses the broad field of flight modeling and simulation that includes rotorcraft, fixed-wing, and UAV applications. Regarding military applications, there is a need to increase the capabilities of modeling and simulation tools for rotorcraft operating in confined areas such as in an urban or mountainous environments, as well as for shipboard operations. Commercial applications include operators of emergency services, search and rescue, construction, and law enforcement that require pilot training for rotorcraft in confined areas. Additionally, with the emergence of UAV systems operating in civilian airspace, modeling and simulation tools employed during the design and certification processes will be an important requirement. By leveraging on the inherent modularity of the proposed ANN modeling technology, CRAFT Tech will market this technology for license to commercial customers. Return