Forces On A Rotor Blade

What forces are present ?

A rotor blade is subjected to a number of forces in its rotation about the mast, in no particular order these are

Forces in Detail

Aerodynamic Lift

 
The total lift force along the blade. Calculated theoretically by summing the individual blade element lift forces given by blade element theory.
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Aerodynamic Drag

 
Total Drag force on the blade. Calculated in the same manner as Aerodynamic Lift but using the Drag formula instead of lift (obviously). This is the primary retarding force against Torque, this is what the engine is used to overcome.
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Centrifugal Force

 
Centrifugal Force acts outward from the hub along the blade. This is the primary restraint against lift producing an excessive coning angle about the flapping hinge, or excessive bending in the blade in the case of a rigid head.
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Torque

 
Torque is the turning force provided by the engine (except in autorotation) to turn the rotors. Acts in opposition to rotor torque and when equal and opposite results in a constant rotor RPM.
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