Optimisation Methodology of a Full-scale Active Twist Rotor Blade

This paper presents optimisation methodology for the design of the full scale rotor blade with an active twist to enhance its capability for vibration and noise reduction. This methodology is based on the 3Dfinite element model, planning of experiments and response surface technique to obtain high piezoelectric actuation forces and displacements with the minimal actuator weight and energy applied. To investigate an active twist of the helicopter rotor blade, the structural static analysis with thermal load using 3D finite element model was developed by finite element software ANSYS. Torsion angle obtained from the finite element simulation of helicopter rotor blades was successfully validated by experimental value to confirm the modelling accuracy.