Experimental Investigation of the Drag of Flat Plates and Cylinders in the Slipstream of a Hovering Rotor

Abstract

Report presenting an experimental study of the drag of flat plates and cylinders in the slipstream of a hovering rotor. The dynamic pressure profile of the slipstream for stations close to the rotor was characterized by low or slightly negative values in the center, a rise to a peak near the edge of the slipstream, and a rapid decrease to small negative values farther from the center. Results regarding the drag-to-thrust ratio, ratio of percent thrust loss to percent blocked area, and drag coefficients are provided.