aerodynamics questions...
I am wondering where is a good place to ask for clarifications on some of the aerodynamic models for helicopters.
For example I have Disc Loading stated as "w=T/A" where T is the thrust per rotor, A is the rotor disc area. I do not know how to correctly determine the rotor disc area - ie is it the lifting portion of the blades as the radii of the disc or the entire disc from tip to tip (in a basic teetering head)? Ie do I exclude the blade roots, grips and hub/feathering area at the centre of the disc or is this portion considered a necessary part of the "rotor disc area"?
I am doing some comparative modelling and want to know where the best place is to ask basic (stupid??) questions.
TIA