Acoustic signature of sUAS rotors undergoing edgewise forward flight

Abstract

This presentation shares preliminary experimental results from a new sUAS rotor test rig installed in UNSW’s Anechoic Wind Tunnel (UAT). This new test rig allows acoustic and aerodynamic performance testing of small drone-scale rotor blades under edgewise forward flight conditions at a range of shaft angles. The study of sUAS rotors under edgewise forward flight presents asymmetric inflow to the rotor and unsteady loading on the blades themselves, with different flow conditions experienced by the advancing and retreating rotor blades. This means the acoustic signature of a rotor undergoing edgewise flight is significantly changed compared to static thrust or axial flight conditions of drone rotors or propellers. This presentation aims to outline changes to the acoustic signature of a collection of conventional off the shelf (COTS) rotor and propeller designs between static, axial flight and edgewise flight conditions, coupling this with rotor performance metrics.