Abstract
The absence of accurate performance data is a common problem with most civilian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) power plant producers. The reasons for this are the small size of most of the manufacturers and the high price of precise wind tunnel testing and computer simulations. To overcome this problem at Dronamics Ltd., with support from the Department of Aeronautics of TU-Sofia, a mobile test stand for evaluation of electric power plants for unmanned aircraft was developed. The stand may be used statically, or may be installed on the roof of an automobile. The measurement system of the stand is based on popular hardware that is used in radio controlled models and in general automation. The verification of the measurement system is performed by comparing static test results with data published by the manufacturer of the tested electric motor. Tests were carried out with 2 different types of propellers and the results were compared with published results for common propellers as well as with results of theoretical studies. The results are satisfactory for practical applications. The use of this type of test stands can be a cheap and effective alternative for research and development start-up companies like Dronamics.
Highlights
The absence of accurate performance data is a common problem with most civilian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propeller and engine producers
The reasons for this are the small size of most manufacturers and the high price of precise wind tunnel testing and computer simulations
There were some attempts by UAV enthusiasts to overcome this issue by deriving empiric thrust equation for a propeller with a given diameter and pitch [2]
Summary
The absence of accurate performance data is a common problem with most civilian UAV propeller and engine producers The reasons for this are the small size of most manufacturers and the high price of precise wind tunnel testing and computer simulations. Research in the field of UAV propeller performance is carried out in Bulgaria [3, 4] It yielded promising results but it is focused mostly on multi copter rotors and it is not applicable for fixed wing UAVs with relatively large propellers with diameters of up to 30” (762 mm). The measurement and data acquisition systems of the test bench were based on popular hardware that is used in radio controlled models and in general automation
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