Numerical simulation of ice accretion on helicopter rotor blades with trailing edge flap

PurposeThis paper aims to describe a numerical simulation method of ice accretion on BO105 helicopter blades for predicting the effects of trailing edge flap deflection on ice accretion.Design/methodology/approachA numerical simulation method of ice accretion is established based on Myers model. Next, the shape and location of ice accretion of NACA0012 airfoil are calculated, and a comparison between calculated results and experimental data is made to validate the method. This method is used to investigate the effect of trailing edge flap deflection on ice accretion of a rotor blade.FindingsThe numerical method is feasible and effective to study the ice accretion on helicopter rotor blades. The downward deflection of the trailing edge flap affects the shape of the ice.Practical implicationsThis method can be further used to predict the ice accretion in actual flights of the helicopters with multielement airfoils.Originality/valueThe numerical simulation method here can lay a foundation of the research about helicopter flight performance in icing condition through predicting the shape and location of ice accretion on rotor blades.