Passive Helicopter Vibration Control Using F2MC Tubes

Investigators - Matthew Krott, Dr. Christopher D. Rahn, Dr. Edward C. Smith

With low inherent structural damping, rotorcraft tailbooms vibrate due to excitation from the rotors, separated flow behind the rotor hub, vehicle maneuvers, and wind gusts. This vibration leads to driveline component wear, structural fatigue, and passenger discomfort. Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite (F2MC) tubes are a promising new class of lightweight and low-profile fluidic vibration treatments. This project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of this new technology in a representative helicopter tailboom structure.

Publications

1. Krott, M.J., Miura, K, Rahn, C.D., Smith, E.C., “Finite Element Modeling of Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Treatments for Bending and Torsional Vibration Control,” AIAA SciTech 2016, San Diego, CA, 2016.

2. Miura, K, Krott, M.J., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., Romano, P.Q., “Experimental Validation of Tailboom Vibration Control Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” AHS International 71st Annual Forum Proceedings, Virginia Beach, VA, 2015.

3. Krott, M.J., Miura, K, LaBarge, S.M., Rahn, C.D., Smith, E.C., and Romano, P.Q., “Tube Compliance Effects on Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Devices for Rotorcraft Vibration Control,” AIAA SciTech 2015, Kissimmee, FL, 2015.

4. Miura, K, Rahn, C.D., and Smith, E.C., "Passive Tailboom Vibration Control Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes," 55th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/SC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, 2014-1368, National Harbor, M.D., 2014.

5. Miura, K, Krott, M.J., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., Romano, P.Q., "Experimental Characterization of a Tailboom with Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes," AHS 70th Annual Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 2014.