Metin UZUN, Hasan ÇINAR, Abdullah KOCAMER, Sezer ÇOBAN

Fluid-structure coupled simulation-based investigation and thrust/efficiency calculation for a UAV twin-blade propeller

This study presents a coupled numerical investigation consisting of fluid and structural analysis for a UAV propeller. Flow and structural analysis are carried out in ANSYS Fluent and Static Structural modules, respectively. The mechanical properties of the propeller are investigated for Plastic ABS and Carbon Fiber (395 GPA) materials at 2000, 6000 and 10000 rpm rotational speeds. Consequently, it is observed that the total deformation and equivalent elastic strain of Carbon Fiber (395 GPA) material is less at all rotational speeds. In addition, the thrust and power of the propeller are calculated for these rotational speeds and their change in UAV forward speeds (1, 5, 8, 10, and 12 m/s) is examined at 6000 and 10000 rpm. Accordingly, it is observed that the power and thrust of the propeller decreased with the increase in the forward speed of the UAV at constant propeller rotation speed.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

Propeller aerodynamics, CFD, Thrust, UAV, Propeller design

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