Seminar: How Dynamic Inflow Survives in the Competitive World of Rotorcraft Aerodynamics

Abstract

Dynamic wake models have found a firm place in rotary-wing analysis since their inception in the 1950’s, proliferation in the 1970’s, and maturation in the 1990’s.  These models have maintained their usefulness, despite the appearance of new and more powerful tools - such as prescribed-wake models, free-wake models, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).   Dr. Peters will discuss the reasons and significance for their staying power as a useful method.

Because of this, dynamic wake models have maintained a strength in the domains of real-time flight simulation, stability computations, and flight mechanics and control.  Dr. Peters will detail how these developments have transpired and how they relate to the importance of simplified tools.

About the Speaker

Dr. Peters received his B.S. and M.S. in Applied Mechanics from Washington University, St. Louis and then went on to complete his Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University.  While pursuing his doctoral degree he was also an Associate Engineer at McDonnell Douglas Aeronautics as well as a Research Scientist at the Army Air Mobility R&D Laboratory at Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, CA.  He then became a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Washington University, St. Louis in 1975 and then the Chairman of Mechanical Engineering in 1982.  After that he then moved onto Georgia Institute of Technology where he became the Professor of Aerospace Engineering in 1985 and he continues his association through today.  Dr. Peters is the 2008 recipient of the Alexander A. Nikolsky Honorary Lectureship, which is awarded to “an individual who reflects the highest ideals, goals, and achievements in the field of helicopter and V/STOL aircraft engineering and development.”

Hosted by Professor Jim Gregory.