Boundary Layer Transition Measured by DIT on the PSP Rotor in Forward Flight

A well-defined reference set of data for CFD and comprehensive code validation for a scaled helicopter main rotor with boundary layer transition in forward flight is presented. The boundary layer transition was measured using Differential Infrared Thermography (DIT) on the top (suction) side of the NASA/Army “PSP rotor” in the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel. The tests used a FLIR X8500 SLS long-wave infrared camera to observe the three-bladed rotor. The boundary layer transition was detected for forward flight at an advance ratio of 0.3 (115 kt). The measured boundary layer transition positions are consistent with previous measurements and predicted boundary layer transition locations. A method for the analysis of DIT images for a rotor in forward flight is shown and validated based on computational analysis of a pitching airfoil with varying inflow, showing both qualitative and quantitative similarity to experimental data.