Unsteady characteristics of pressure and swirl distortion in helicopter intake: A lattice Boltzmann method approach

The present paper focuses on the analysis of the unsteady characteristics of pressure and swirl distortion and their relationship inside a complex air intake, including a plenum chamber, using Large-Eddy Simulation based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The steady-state analysis of the pressure field and swirl angle in the Aerodynamic Interface Plane (AIP) shows a complex pressure and swirl distortion pattern, as well as a high level of unsteadiness. Additionally, two vortical structures with equal intensity located on the top and bottom sides of the AIP plane were identified. The unsteady pressure distortion analysis highlighted fluctuations between two positions of the maximum circumferential pressure distortion in the AIP plane. One of these positions presents mean and peak distortion values lower than the other position. Furthermore, an alternating vortex pattern between two swirl patterns in the AIP plane is also identified. Finally, the relationship between pressure and swirl unsteadiness was investigated, and a link between the swirl distortion pattern and pressure distortion was identified. The identification of this relationship will allow geometrical changes in the air intake, leading to a reduction of the average circumferential distortion level, as well as a reduction of the maximum peak level achievable during a flight phase.