How would you determine the Lift(thrust) force of a Helicopter in hover

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for determining the lift (or thrust) force of a helicopter in hover. Participants explore various theoretical and practical approaches, including equations, experimental setups, and the use of specific tools for measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions the lift force equation and questions how it is measured in practice, suggesting that simply plugging in values may not be sufficient.
  • Another participant proposes that weighing the helicopter while it hovers would provide a direct measurement of lift force, as it equals the weight in that state.
  • Several participants discuss methods for testing thrust produced by rotors, including using a spring scale or a strain gauge-based force transducer.
  • Some participants suggest that Bernoulli's equation could be applicable for calculating pressure changes in helicopters, similar to its use in wind turbines.
  • There are mentions of using wind tunnel testing and scale models to measure forces related to helicopter aerodynamics.
  • Participants share links to resources and books related to helicopter aerodynamics, indicating a collaborative effort to provide additional information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods and tools for measuring lift and thrust, but there is no consensus on a single best approach. Multiple competing views and methods remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some methods discussed depend on specific conditions, such as the setup of the testing rig or the characteristics of the rotor design. There are also unresolved aspects regarding the application of theoretical equations to practical scenarios.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in helicopter design, aerodynamics, and experimental methods for measuring lift and thrust forces.

fujifilm6502002
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I know the lift force equation is .5*rho*V^2*Area*Coefficient. But I was wondering in the real world how would you measure the lift force? I hope they don't just plug the values for the equations.
 
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The easiest way is to weigh the helicopter. If it's hovering, the lift force equals the weight.
 
I was wondering like if you are building your own helicopter what would someone use to test the amount of thrust produced by the rotor?
 
i wonder if bernouilli's equation can be put to use in this case. i know that it can be used when there is wind driving a wind turbine. it should work here
 
I guess you can use Bernoulli to calculate the change in pressure helicopter.
 
i think u can find the maximum power yield by zeroing the velocity at the exit
 
yeah we can find the maximum power yield by zeroing the velocity at the exit

if smbody interested , i caN upload a book on the aerodynamic of the helicopter.
tel me if interested
regards
 
That would be great.
Thanks
 
I will try tmrow , i willl send u a link on rapidshare or mhid.net;
ur welcome and hope that will be helpful
 
  • #10
definitely interested in that:)
 
  • #11
fujifilm6502002 said:
I was wondering like if you are building your own helicopter what would someone use to test the amount of thrust produced by the rotor?
You could do this simply with a spring scale and something to constrain the rotor group to the scale and something to drive it. It is even easier if you have a strain gauge based force transducer because then there would be no axial movement due to the thrust.

In regards to the original question, the airfoils and rotors are well known throughout the flight envelope from wind tunnel testing. The calculations involve effects of trailing blades, etc... Of course, the calculations are always compared to actual testing.
 
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  • #12
fujifilm6502002 said:
I was wondering like if you are building your own helicopter what would someone use to test the amount of thrust produced by the rotor?
To test it, you mount it on a test rig and measure the forces.
 
  • #13
scale down models and wind tunnels are to measure the force.
 
  • #16
http://rapidshare.de/files/22495932/US_Navy_-_Introduction_to_Helicopter_Aerodynamics_Workbook_CNATRA_P-401__US_Navy_2000_.pdf
 
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  • #17
http://rapidshare.de/files/22495355/Seddon_J._-_Basic_Helicopter_Aerodynamics__BSP_Prof._Books_1990_.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #18
Thanks a lot
 
  • #19
heyy there can u pls re-upload the file for me pls? i couldn't download the file. actually I am new here. so pls help to guide me :) thanks in advance eh
 
  • #20
hazhand said:
actually I am new here. so pls help to guide me :)

Look at the dates on the posts. This thread has been dead for more than 4 years. It's not surprising the links don't work any more.
 
  • #21
Oh. Thanks a bunch ;-) what a shame. Haishhhh now i hardly find the info.
 

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