Experimental and computational investigation on interaction between nano rotor and aerodynamic rudder

Abstract

The interference effect between the nano rotor and aerodynamic rudder was studied experimentally and computationally. Propulsive performance of nano rotor and aerodynamic performance of aerodynamic rudder were achieved experimentally. The disturbed flow field of nano rotor was also analyzed computationally to disclose the flow mechanics of the interaction. Results showed that the nano rotor has a great effect on the aerodynamic performance of aerodynamic rudder. The moment of aerodynamic rudder fluctuated with the rotor-to-rudder spacing and achieved the smallest value at the spacing of 0.5R. And the moment of aerodynamic rudder varied with deflection angle linearly. Aerodynamic rudder influenced the propulsion performance of the nano rotor slightly. The thrust coefficient and torque coefficient increased a little with spacing but changed slightly with the deflection angle. Numerical simulation showed that aerodynamic rudder blocked the flow field of the nano rotor and the counterclockwise rotation of the rotor drives the flow in the downstream rotating in a counterclockwise direction resulting in the different angle of attack between left and right rudder surface.