Analysis and optimization of the coupling effect for duct-rotor based on aerodynamic performance

Abstract

The duct has the potential to provide additional thrust, which can enhance the overall aerodynamic performance of the system. Nonetheless, since the duct and the rotor interact with each other, it is crucial to consider their interaction while optimizing the system for improved performance. This paper presents a parameterization approach for the duct and rotor. Primarily, a rotor space characterization and parameter modeling method that utilizes Bezier curves, class functions/shape functions, and Bernstein polynomials is proposed. Next, the aerodynamic performance of different key factors of the duct-rotor system is calculated and analyzed using a numerical calculation method. The study found that the coupling effect of camber yf and chord length parameter Bc3 had a significant impact on the thrust coefficient, with a contribution rate of 7.3 %. Correspondingly, the coupling effect of camber yf and torsion angle parameter Ba3 had a great influence on the Figure of Merit (FM), with a contribution rate of 7.1 %. The thrust coefficient and FM of the rotor-duct system were optimized by taking the coupling effect into consideration, and the optimized ducted rotor was verified by experimental measurement. The test results shows that the high thrust case achieves a 25.60 % increase in thrust coefficient, while the high-FM case establishes an 8.89 % increase in the FM. This implies that the collaborative optimization based on the coupling effect of duct and rotor shape parameters can effectively improve the system's performance, such as thrust coefficient and Figure of Merit.