Influence of Vortex Models on Blade‐Vortex Interaction Load and Noise Predictions

Four vortex models, including those usually used in the computation of blade‐vortex interaction, are investigated. These vortex models differ by their velocity fields and by their ability (or inability) to deform during close interactions. Their influence on load and noise predictions is first analysed in the case of a rotor interacting with a prescribed vortex. This analysis shows how the vortex deformation affects the velocity induced on the blade and why the leadine edge pressure is not a reliable indicator of the predicted acoustic sources in case of blade‐vortex collision. The influence of the vortex model on load and noise predictions is then shown in the case of a rotor interacting with self generated vortices. This study provides a better understanding of the domain of validity of each vortex model. Some techniques are also proposed which improve the predictions when the simplest vortex models are used.