AERODYNAMICS

An introduction to the
aerodynamics of the main rotor
and how it helps us to fly.

Presentation by:
Peter Chance

Relative Wind
Relative wind is defined
as the airflow relative to an
airfoil
Relative wind is created
by movement of an airfoil
through the air

Induced Flow Production

This figure illustrates

how still air is changed
to a column of
descending air by rotor
blade action

Resultant Relative Wind

Airflow from rotation,
modified by induced flow,
produces the Resultant
Relative Wind

Angle of attack is
reduced by induced flow,
causing the airfoil to
produce less lift

Angle of Attack
Angle of Attack (AOA) (4) is
the angle between the airfoil chord
line and its direction of motion
relative to the air (the Resultant
Relative Wind)

Angle of Incidence

Angle of Incidence (or AOI) is

the angle between the blade chord
line and the plane of rotation of the
rotor system.

Total Aerodynamic Force

A Total Aerodynamic Force (3)
is generated when a stream of air
flows over and under an airfoil that
is moving through the air

Open University Short Video