Aerodynamic Optimization over Frigate Helicopter Flight Deck by Hangar Shape Modifications

Helicopter operations on frigates imply complex maneuvers for pilots. During the aircraft approach to the frigate, the helicopter rotor is immersed in a changing aerodynamic flow, with high speed and turbulence intensity gradients. This occurs as a consequence of the nonaerodynamic surfaces that compose the frigates and generate detached flow on their decks. Typically, the helicopter operations on frigates are located at the stern. That is, after the superstructure of the ship and just behind the hangar where the helicopter can be hosted. Using a simplified frigate shape model, tests have been carried out at the National Institute of Aerospace Technology's low-speed wind tunnel by modifying the hangar geometry in a bubble-shaped way to optimize it aerodynamically and improve the flow over the frigate aftdeck. Roof and side walls have been modified by linear A, circular C, and elliptical E geometries. A particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique has been used for obtaining the flow velocity field above and behind the hangars proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of each geometry modification proposed. Finally, a numerical comparison with the PIV results and parameters such as the storage capacity reduction of the hangar due to its geometry change has been carried out.