Designing Small Propellers for Optimum Efficiency and Low Noise Footprint

Abstract

A topic of increasing importance in the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) community is the design and performance of open propellers used in hand launched, small UASs. The design and testing of these propellers is necessary to accurately predict UAS operation. This paper describes the design methodology used by Baylor University and the USAF Academy to design propeller blades for optimum efficiency and low noise. Propeller blade design theories are discussed as well as an overview of several of the existing design codes. Included is a discussion on geometric angle of attack, the induced angle of attack, and their impact on propeller design. The design program BEARCONTROL was developed which incorporates the programs QMIL and QPROI). Supplemental codes were also developed to work with Bearcontrol to design a propeller with a constant chord and variable twist. This resulted in the angle of attack for L/Dmax being used from the propeller hub to the tip. BEARCONTROL is a program written in MATLAB that gives a user the ability to quickly design a propeller, predict its performance, and then create a 30 model in SolidWorks. The MATLAB GUl ultimately results in a mostly automated process that is simple to use for individuals who are unfamiliar with command prompt programs and SolidWorks modeling. Also incorporated into BEARCONTROL is the program NREL AirFoil Noise (NAFNOISE) developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This program predicts the noise of any airfoil shape and provides a comparison for optimizing/minimizing predicted noise for the propeller being designed. Construction methods and materials also have a direct impact on cost, durability and operability when using a rapid prototype process to fabricate propellers. An overview of materials and construction methods used in this research are discussed. Incorporation of a hub with interchangeable blades is also presented as a more efficient testing method.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 26, 2015
Accession Number
AD1013408

Entities

People

  • Aaron R. Byerley
  • Charles F. Wisniewski
  • Kenneth W. Van Treuren
  • William H. Heiser
  • William Iii R. Liller

Organizations

  • United States Air Force Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Basic Programming Language
  • Boundary Layer
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Control Systems
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronic Engineering
  • Propeller Blades
  • Propeller Noise
  • Propellers
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Test Methods
  • Three Dimensional
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Wind Tunnels

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics.
  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy