Qualitative Visualisations of the Flow Around a BO105 Helicopter in Ground Effect

Abstract:
This paper presents several methods for measuring large flow fields in the wake of a helicopter, including wind vanes ("flags"), tufts, BOS (Background Oriented Schlieren), and BOS-velocimetry. The motivation is to develop methods that can map the outwash distribution of VTOL aircraft with strongly asymmetric wakes and identify jets that can be particularly dangerous for bystanders. Each measurement technique is shown to have specific advantages, and the resulting flow fields are demonstrated for the BO105 helicopter in hovering flight in ground effect above a tarmac.

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