Industrial application of CFD to support certification and qualifications processes at Eurocopter

The paper presents a summary of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) applications at Eurocopter to support the qualification and certification of its helicopters. As CFD methods advance due to higher computer power, more accurate physical and numerical modelling and higher mesh densities, simulation accuracy increases as well as the trust in the results of CFD simulations by aviation authorities. Consequently new opportunities arise to apply CFD. One of such opportunities is the support of qualification and certification processes, wherein the functionality of the helicopter or parts has to be proved towards the customer/client (qualification) or aviation authorities such as EASA or/ and FAA (certification). Based on examples the opportunities, difficulties and particulars to be considered are explained.