A state-space free-vortex hybrid wake model for helicopter rotors

This paper presents the development of a new hybrid wake model merging two distinctly different modeling approaches into a single, more comprehensive solution. The objective of the work was to leverage the strengths of each individual wake model creating a more flexible and extensible solution that could be used across the entire flight envelope of a helicopter. The results of the work indicate that the two wakes models can be successfully merged. The results also show that hybrid wake provides a mechanism by which finite-state wake imparts a level of stability on the free wake solution allowing the free wake to provide consistent, repeatable results from hover through high speed forward flight. While the new hybrid wake includes the geometric distortion needed for predicting the off-axis control response, the new model, as configured in this work, shows no sign of improvement in this area.