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Analysis of the Aerodynamic Effects on Coaxial Rotor Configurations
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Keywords: Robotic, aerodynamics, micro aerial vehicles, system identification
Coaxial rotor configurations, i.e. two counter-rotating propellers stacked on top of each other, are commonly seen on helicopters. Recent research in novel micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) has similarly started deploying this configuration, as it has the advantage of being power efficient and the ability of cancelling out the propeller torque and the angular momentum of the propellers. However, little attention has been paid on the interactive aerodynamics effects it brings on smaller propellers that are used for these MAVs. In this project, we would like to combine theory and practice to get a better understanding of this complex behavior within the slipstream and its implications for MAV performance. You will first use basic aerodynamics theory to predict these aerodynamics effects. Next we will develop a test bench to perform a series of tests on a hardware setup. From the experimental data we will get a quantitative analysis of the influence factors on the performance and efficiency of the coaxial rotor configuration.
**Questions we want to answer**
- How do two propellers interact with each other if they are placed in a coaxial configuration. What are the influences factors: e.g. rotor speed, propeller diameter, axial distance between two propellers, propeller pitch angle, what if the propeller is bent or imbalanced?
- Investigate the 3-axis force and the torque they generate at different propeller speeds. Does the interaction introduce turbulence so that there are force and torque created sideways?
- How is the lower propeller (the one in the downwash) getting affected, does it fall into a stall condition?
Coaxial rotor configurations, i.e. two counter-rotating propellers stacked on top of each other, are commonly seen on helicopters. Recent research in novel micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) has similarly started deploying this configuration, as it has the advantage of being power efficient and the ability of cancelling out the propeller torque and the angular momentum of the propellers. However, little attention has been paid on the interactive aerodynamics effects it brings on smaller propellers that are used for these MAVs. In this project, we would like to combine theory and practice to get a better understanding of this complex behavior within the slipstream and its implications for MAV performance. You will first use basic aerodynamics theory to predict these aerodynamics effects. Next we will develop a test bench to perform a series of tests on a hardware setup. From the experimental data we will get a quantitative analysis of the influence factors on the performance and efficiency of the coaxial rotor configuration.
**Questions we want to answer** - How do two propellers interact with each other if they are placed in a coaxial configuration. What are the influences factors: e.g. rotor speed, propeller diameter, axial distance between two propellers, propeller pitch angle, what if the propeller is bent or imbalanced? - Investigate the 3-axis force and the torque they generate at different propeller speeds. Does the interaction introduce turbulence so that there are force and torque created sideways? - How is the lower propeller (the one in the downwash) getting affected, does it fall into a stall condition?
- Literature review on aerodynamic theory and/or experimentally determined models
- Experiment design, this includes mechanical design, measurement device calibration, and software development for the experiments.
- Conduct experiments and analyze the data.
- (Bonus - if time) Use the developed model for a further investigation of far-field cross wash effects seen on omni-directional platforms like the Voliro-X (see the figure of the Voliro-X).
- Literature review on aerodynamic theory and/or experimentally determined models - Experiment design, this includes mechanical design, measurement device calibration, and software development for the experiments. - Conduct experiments and analyze the data. - (Bonus - if time) Use the developed model for a further investigation of far-field cross wash effects seen on omni-directional platforms like the Voliro-X (see the figure of the Voliro-X).
- Interested in hands-on experience with robots and aerodynamics.
- C++ programming skills. Python knowledge recommended.
- Basic understanding of the aerodynamics
- Students from outside D-MAVT are also encouraged to apply.
- Interested in hands-on experience with robots and aerodynamics. - C++ programming skills. Python knowledge recommended. - Basic understanding of the aerodynamics - Students from outside D-MAVT are also encouraged to apply.
Weixuan Zhang
wzhang@mavt.ethz.ch
Thomas Stastny
thomas.stastny@mavt.ethz.ch
Michael Pantic
michael.pantic@mavt.ethz.ch
Weixuan Zhang wzhang@mavt.ethz.ch Thomas Stastny thomas.stastny@mavt.ethz.ch Michael Pantic michael.pantic@mavt.ethz.ch