Numerical Analysis of Hovering Main Rotor Aero-Acoustic Characteristics for Ice Detection

In this paper, rotors with artificial iced shapes are studied to develop insight in the potential of acoustics-based ice detection. Using the Helicopter Multi-Block CFD solver, approximate iced shapes are added to the blades and the results are analyzed using the FW-H method. Several candidate monitoring positions are assessed for acoustic sensors to be placed on the helicopter fuselage. The influence of ice on the aero-acoustic characteristics of a rotor is calculated, and parameters such as the ice amount and the icing position on the blade are quantified.