Question

The momentum conservation equation for a helicopter in climb state is independent of which term?

(a) Climb velocity

(b) Induced velocity

(c) Wake velocity

(d) Mass flux

I got this question during an interview.

This interesting question is from Momentum Theory in division Helicopter Dynamics of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) Climb velocity

For explanation: The momentum equation for the helicopter in flight condition is given by:

T=\(\dot {m}\)(V+w)-\(\dot {m}\)V

T=\(\dot {m}\)w

Where, V is the climb velocity

w is the induced velocity in the wake region

T is the thrust

\(\dot {m}\) is mass flux

On observing the equation, we see that the momentum equation is independent of the climb velocity.