A computational and experimental study on aerodynamics of motor-driven propellers using thrust stand and rotating cup anemometer. (7th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siddiqi, Zaid; Lee, Jin Wook
• Is Part Of: Progress in computational fluid dynamics. Volume 22:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2022-01-07
• Subjects: unmanned aerial vehicle -- computational fluid dynamics -- CFD -- multiple reference frame -- MRF -- thrust -- downwash velocity -- thrust-stand -- anemometer; Fluid dynamics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Fluid dynamics -- Mathematics -- Periodicals; 620.10640285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-4349

Abstract

The aims of this study are: 1) develop a cost-effective experimental set up that incorporates a commercially available thrust-stand and rotating cup anemometer; 2) analyse rotor performance at rotational speeds ranging from 6, 000 PRM to 14, 000 RPM; 3) use the multiple reference frame (MRF) approach to develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations that provide a good agreement with experimental results; 4) to assess the efficacy of using a rotating cup anemometer to measure propeller downwash velocity. A 6-inch propeller is paired with a 2, 600 KV motor. Overall rotor efficiency peaks near 7, 200 RPM and beyond 9, 300 RPM; it declines rapidly as the mechanical and electrical power output increases. To assess the thrust and downwash velocity, two turbulence models are used in steady state: k-∈ realisable and the k-ω SST . The k-ω SST shows good overall agreements for thrust, while the k-∈ realisable provides a more accurate modelling of the downwash velocity. Based on the CFD results, the rotating cup anemometer is found to be unsuitable for measuring propeller downwash velocities.