Experimental Amplitude-Dependent Characterization of the TiltRotor Aeroelastic Stability Testbed

Journal of the American Helicopter Society 2026

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Authors: Gray Simmons, Andrew R. Kreshock, Robert P. Thornburgh, Martin K. Sekula, Cristina Riso
DOI: 10.4050/jahs.71.022006
Cited by: 2
References: 15

Abstract

This paper investigates the amplitude-dependent characteristics of the TiltRotor Aeroelastic Stability Testbed. The recovery rate, multiple decay Prony averaging, and Stockwell transform methods are employed to account for system nonlinearities, which are neglected by conventional test data analysis methods based on linear assumptions. A comprehensive study of ground vibration and wind tunnel test data highlights reduced local damping and frequency at larger response amplitudes for various blade materials, rotor speeds, and pitch–flap coupling parameters. This study demonstrates novel analysis capabilities to investigate nonlinear dynamics in tiltrotors and support their design.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Aeroelasticity and Vibration Control Bladed Disk Vibration Dynamics Wind Energy Research and Development

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of the American Helicopter Society
Publisher
AHS International dba Vertical Flight Society
Volume
71
Issue
2
Pages
1–19
Publication date
11 February 2026
Language
EN