High-fidelity multidimensional models for stress and dynamic analyses of advanced helicopter blades

This work presents multidimensional finite element models for the studies of modern helicopter blades. The mathematical formalism is based on the Carrera Unified Formulation. The CUF offers a procedure to obtain low- and high-fidelity models hierarchically and automatically. Lagrange polynomials are considered for developing different kinematic models, exploiting the unique feature of having only pure displacements as unknowns. This property allows connecting beam and solid elements at node levels without requiring complicated mathematical formulations. The linearized and full geometrically nonlinear approaches were used to investigate the static and dynamic response of various helicopter blades.