11 / 20

On some teetering head helicopters, a weighted bar is fitted to:

  • A
    Increase stability.
  • B
    Assist in maintaining constant rotor RPM.
  • C
    Reduce phase lag.
  • D
    Reduce vibration.

Refer to figure.
The Bell rotor stabilizer bar plays a crucial role in certain helicopter rotor systems, enhancing stability and control. Let me explain its operation in more detail:

In the initial state, when the helicopter is stationary in a hover, both the rotor and the stabilizer bar align perfectly and remain parallel. During this phase, no input is directed to the mixing unit, ensuring the helicopter's stability.

However, when an external force, such as a gust of wind, displaces the rotor from its parallel position, the rotor disc starts to flap, resulting in tilting or movement relative to the helicopter's body. In the example you provided, the rotor disc flaps backward due to the wind gust.

The stabilizer bar possesses a substantial amount of gyroscopic rigidity due to its mass and synchronized rotation with the rotor. This inherent gyroscopic characteristic enables the stabilizer bar to resist changes in its orientation.

When the stabilizer bar and rotor blades are no longer parallel, the mixing unit comes into action. In the specific scenario you described, where the rotor has shifted while the stabilizer bar remains in place, the parallel alignment is disrupted, prompting the mixing unit to respond.

The mixing unit's role is to adjust the pitch of the rotor blades in response to the misalignment between the stabilizer bar and rotor. For example, if the rotor has flapped backward due to the wind gust, the mixing unit will modify the pitch of the rotor blades to counteract this movement and restore stability.

Your Notes (not visible to others)



This question has appeared on the real examination, you can find the related countries below.