The Application and Validation of a CFD Analysis to Simulate the Flow into a Helicopter Engine Intake

The simulation of flow through engine air particle separators (EAPS) into helicopter intakes is a good design application for CFD analysis. The series of simulations presented here were carried out during the design stage of the project to provide confidence in operational parameters and reduce risk. Although for certification reasons testing was required before final design approval, the use of CFD enabled the flow parameters to be verified and confidence gained in the design prior to testing. The simulations also provided useful data on the operation of the EAPS that is costly to obtain from testing alone. The subsequent testing provided valuable data for validating the CFD simulations.