Airflow Characteristic of UAV Quadcopter Propeller Blade Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Abstract

In this study, the main focus is to study of air flow characteristic of UAV quadcopter propeller at incorporate blade profile using variableangle of attack (AoA)and revolution per minute (RPM) with its twisted blade using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) / Ansys tool. Three propellers have been designed which Propeller 1 is untwisted while Propeller 2 and 3 twisted at certain angle. Three speeds which are 4000 rpm, 6000 rpm and 8000 rpm have been set for each propeller are being analysed using ANSYS Fluid Flow (fluent). The result shows the different thrust force generated by three propellers and Propeller 2 (33.6757 N) has the highest thrust force generated compared to Propeller 1 and 3 especially at 8000 rpm. This is due to the suitable twisting angle profile that has been set at the Propeller 2at this operating speed. For comparison, Propeller 3 produce the highest thrust force of 18.44Nat 6000 rpmexceeding Propeller 2 which is 17.81 N.To summarize, each propeller blade profile has a distinctive aerodynamic performance and should be adopted by matching the flight operating condition. Higher rpmgenerateshigherthrust force, and increaselift and drag coefficient.