Numerical study on erosion wear and aerodynamic characteristics of coaxial contra-rotating propellers

This study examines the erosion and wear behavior of coaxial contra-rotating propeller (CRP) blades operating in extreme wind-sand environments, such as desert plateaus, and evaluates the subsequent effects of airborne sand and dust particles on the blades' aerodynamic performance. First, the configured CRP is compared with open-rotor wind-tunnel datasets (NASA ORPR and AI-PX7/S1MA) under clean-surface conditions (no particle erosion) to verify the accuracy and reliability of the simulation settings. Then, the influence of key operational parameters is investigated, including rotational speed and blade spacing, on the erosion and wear characteristics of the propeller blades. Through a detailed analysis of wear patterns on the blade surface under varying operational conditions, the relationship between these parameters and the extent of blade degradation is elucidated. Next, the regions on the blade surface are identified and classified with varying degrees of erosion. The effects of surface roughness in these damaged regions on the aerodynamic performance of the CRP are thoroughly explored. Particular attention is given to the impact of different levels of surface roughness on aerodynamic efficiency, thrust, and power consumption, with a focus on influence of different roughness on propeller performance. The findings provide theoretical insights that contribute to the design and optimization of propeller blades for operation in harsh wind-sand environments, enhancing both blade durability and aerodynamic efficiency.