Advanced scale-propeller design using a MATLAB optimization code
Advanced scale-propeller design using a MATLAB optimization code
This study investigated the efficiency of scale-propellers, typically used on small drones. A scale-propeller is accepted as having a diameter of 7 to 21 inches. Recent special operations has demonstrated the utility of relatively small, low-cost first-person view (FPV) drones, which are attritable. This investigation outlines the development of a MATLAB optimisation code, based on minimum induced loss propeller theory, which calculates the optimal chord and twist distribution for a chosen propeller operating in known flight conditions. The MATLAB code includes a minimum Reynolds number functionality, which provides the option to alter the chord distribution to ensure the entire propeller is operating above a set threshold value of Reynolds (>100,000), as this has been found to be a transition point between low and high section lift-to-drag ratios. Additional functions allow plotting of torque and thrust distributions along the blade. The results have been validated on experimental data taken from an APC ‘Thin Electric’ 10” × 7” propeller, where it was found that both the chord and twist distributions were accurately modelled. The MATLAB code resulted in a 16% increase in the maximum propulsive efficiency. Further work will investigate a direct interface to SolidWorks to aid rapid propeller manufacturing capability.
design, efficiency, low re number, MATLAB, optimization, propeller, small-scale
Prior, Stephen D.
9c753e49-092a-4dc5-b4cd-6d5ff77e9ced
Newman-Sanders, Daniel
f906aaf0-632d-4d67-b27b-d844668ae1b0
19 July 2024
Prior, Stephen D.
9c753e49-092a-4dc5-b4cd-6d5ff77e9ced
Newman-Sanders, Daniel
f906aaf0-632d-4d67-b27b-d844668ae1b0
Prior, Stephen D. and Newman-Sanders, Daniel
(2024)
Advanced scale-propeller design using a MATLAB optimization code.
Applied Sciences, 14 (14), [6296].
(doi:10.20944/preprints202406.1350.v1).
Abstract
This study investigated the efficiency of scale-propellers, typically used on small drones. A scale-propeller is accepted as having a diameter of 7 to 21 inches. Recent special operations has demonstrated the utility of relatively small, low-cost first-person view (FPV) drones, which are attritable. This investigation outlines the development of a MATLAB optimisation code, based on minimum induced loss propeller theory, which calculates the optimal chord and twist distribution for a chosen propeller operating in known flight conditions. The MATLAB code includes a minimum Reynolds number functionality, which provides the option to alter the chord distribution to ensure the entire propeller is operating above a set threshold value of Reynolds (>100,000), as this has been found to be a transition point between low and high section lift-to-drag ratios. Additional functions allow plotting of torque and thrust distributions along the blade. The results have been validated on experimental data taken from an APC ‘Thin Electric’ 10” × 7” propeller, where it was found that both the chord and twist distributions were accurately modelled. The MATLAB code resulted in a 16% increase in the maximum propulsive efficiency. Further work will investigate a direct interface to SolidWorks to aid rapid propeller manufacturing capability.
Text
applsci-14-06296
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Accepted/In Press date: 18 July 2024
Published date: 19 July 2024
Keywords:
design, efficiency, low re number, MATLAB, optimization, propeller, small-scale
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 492475
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/492475
ISSN: 2076-3417
PURE UUID: 8c93b509-69f0-4371-84d3-add0652f9549
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Date deposited: 29 Jul 2024 16:58
Last modified: 23 Aug 2024 01:45
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Author:
Daniel Newman-Sanders
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