The book addresses computational methods for solving the problem of vibration, response, loads and stability of a helicopter rotor blade modeled as a rotating beam with flap or out-of-plane bending. The focus is on explaining the implementation of the finite element method in the space and time domain for the free vibration, aeroelastic response and stability problems. The use of Floquet analysis for the aeroelastic stability analysis of rotor blades is also shown. The contents of the book will be useful to researchers in aerodynamics and applied mechanics, and will also serve well professionals working in the aerospace industry.


This book addresses the solution of rotating beam free-vibration problems using the finite element method. It provides an introduction to the governing equation of a rotating beam, before outlining the solution procedures using Rayleigh-Ritz, Galerkin and finite element methods. The possibility of improving the convergence of finite element methods through a judicious selection of interpolation functions, which are closer to the problem physics, is also addressed. The book offers a valuable guide for students and researchers working on rotating beam problems - important engineering structures used in helicopter rotors, wind turbines, gas turbines, steam turbines and propellers - and their applications. It can also be used as a textbook for specialized graduate and professional courses on advanced applications of finite element analysis.