Computational study on aerodynamic characteristics of propeller with protuberances

Abstract

Essential qualities which a drone can effortlessly accomplish for every task include performance, safety, accessibility, and adaptability because of its efficiency. For different reasons, the efficiency of the drone is affected by an extensive number of parameters. Thus, a focus on improving drone’s efficiency has been proposed in this study. Usually, operational speed affects efficiency. Propellers have the potential to regulate operating speed. The propeller is an essential component of the drone's operation, and experts are always looking for new ways to improve its performance through novel studies. Multiple studies have been conducted and the findings indicate that employing leading-edge (LE) tubercles on propellers produces superior outcomes. For this computational study, the re-normalization group (RNG) equations with a k − ℇ turbulence model have been solved, using the Ansys Fluent solver. The range of RPM was 2000–8000, while the flow velocity ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 J (advance ratio). Calculations showed that the propeller with serrations had a significant improvement in thrust, power, thrust coefficient and power coefficient values. The outcomes were contrasted with the computational results from the available literature. Aerodynamic and overall performance trends showed a good degree of consistency, suggesting that tubercle propellers will be superior to baseline propellers in terms of efficiency.