scholarly journals Effect of propeller-induced flow on the performance of biplane micro air vehicle dynamics

2019 ◽  
Vol 234 (3) ◽  
pp. 716-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuvrangshu Jana ◽  
Harikumar Kandath ◽  
Mayur Shewale ◽  
M Seetharama Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Vehicle Dynamics ◽  
Wind Tunnel Test ◽  
Micro Air Vehicle ◽  
Aerodynamic Parameter ◽  
Rolling Moment ◽  
Air Vehicle ◽  
Induced Flow ◽  
Flow Effects ◽  
Force Range

This paper presents the analysis of propeller-induced flow effects on the dynamics of a fixed wing biplane micro air vehicle. The analysis is based on wind tunnel tests and mathematical modeling. This analysis plays a pivotal role because the propeller-induced flow has significant effects on the dynamics of fixed wing micro air vehicle due to submergence of a large portion of the wing in propeller slipstream. Although the effect of the propeller-induced flow on the various aerodynamic parameter is reported in the literature; however, its effects on overall forces, moments and vehicle dynamics are not quantified so far. In this paper, propeller-induced flow effects are modeled as a function of motor rotation speed and mathematical analysis is performed to quantify their effects. The wind tunnel test is conducted at different propeller speeds on a biplane micro air vehicle “Skylark”, having wingspan and chord length of 150 mm and 140 mm, respectively. Analysis of results shows that the propeller slipstream increases the overall lift, drag, side force, range, and endurance significantly. Propeller flow also contributes to the rolling moment and the pitching moment, while it has negligible effects on the yawing moment. It is shown that the trim angle of attack is lower when the propeller flow is considered in computing the trim conditions.

Wind Tunnel Test on a Slowed Mach-Scaled Hingeless Rotor with Lift Compounding

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shashank Maurya ◽  
Xing Wang ◽  
Inderjit Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Reverse Flow ◽  
Wind Tunnel Test ◽  
Bending Moment ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Dynamic Stall ◽  
Rolling Moment ◽  
Slowing Down ◽  
Slowed Rotor ◽  
Compressibility Effects

A single main rotor helicopter's maximum forward speed is limited due to the compressibility effects on the advancing side and reverse flow and dynamic stall on the retreating side. Compound helicopters can address these issues with a slowed rotor and lift compounding. There is a scarcity of test data on compound helicopters, and the present research focuses on a systematic wind tunnel test on lift compounding. Slowing down the rotor increases the advance ratio and, hence, the reverse flow region, which does not produce much lift. The lift is augmented with a wing on the retreating side. A hingeless rotor hub helps to balance the rolling moment with lift offset. Wind tunnel tests were carried out on this configuration up to advance ratios of 0.7 at two different wing incidence angles. Rotor performance, controls, blade structural loads, and hub vibratory loads were measured and compared with in-house comprehensive analysis, UMARC. A comparison between different wing incidences at constant total lift provided many insights into the lift compounding. It increased the vehicle efficiency and reduced peak-to-peak lag bending moment and in-plane 4/rev hub vibratory loads. The only trade-off was steady rotor hub loads and rolling moment at the wing root carried by the fuselage.

Wind Tunnel Studies on a Micro Air Vehicle–Scale Cycloidal Rotor

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tejaswi Jarugumilli ◽  
Moble Benedict ◽  
Inderjit Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Micro Air Vehicle ◽  
Air Vehicle

Analytical and Finite Element Modal Analysis of a Hyperelastic Membrane for Micro Air Vehicle Wings

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uttam Kumar Chakravarty
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Natural Frequencies ◽  
Wind Tunnel Test ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Micro Air Vehicle ◽  
Finite Element Models ◽  
Freestream Velocity ◽  
Modal Characteristics ◽  
Aerodynamic Pressure ◽  
Air Vehicle

Analytical and finite element models are developed for investigating the modal characteristics of a hyperelastic rubber latex membrane for micro air vehicle wings applications. A radially prestretched membrane specimen is attached to a thin, rigid circular ring and vibrated in vacuum and in air at atmospheric pressure. The natural frequencies of the membrane computed by analytical and finite element models are correlated well. The natural frequencies increase with mode and prestretch level of the membrane but decrease in air from those in vacuum due to the effect of added mass of air. The damping is low and has a very minimal effect on the frequencies but helps to reduce the amplitude of vibration. Aerodynamic pressure at different angles of attack and a freestream velocity is computed from the wind tunnel test data, and a finite element model is developed for investigating the effect of the aerodynamic pressure on the modal characteristics of the membrane. It is found that the effect of aerodynamic pressure on the natural frequencies of the membrane is not significant.

Wind Tunnel Test of a Rotorcraft with Lift Compounding

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Andŕe Bauknecht ◽  
Xing Wang ◽  
Jan-Arun Faust ◽  
Inderjit Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Reverse Flow ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Wind Tunnel Test ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Field Analysis ◽  
Rolling Moment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Side Flow

Rotorcraft flight speed is limited by compressibility effects on the advancing blade side and decreasing lift potential on the retreating blade side. It may thus be beneficial to employ a hingeless rotor to generate additional lift with the advancing blade and compensate the resulting rolling moment with a fixed wing on the retreating blade side. This concept is a form of "lift compounding" that appears to show enormous potential. The present paper presents results of a wind tunnel test with a slowed, hingeless rotor and single fixed wing on the retreating blade side. Based on rotor test stand data and flow field measurements, the impact of operational and rotor parameters on system performance and aerodynamics is examined, mutual interaction effects between rotor and fixed wing are analyzed, and dominant flow structures are characterized in the reverse flow region on the retreating blade side. Flow field analysis reveals a reverse flow entrance vortex that freely convects through the reverse flow region and rivals the blade tip vortices in strength. Contrary to previous beliefs, this vortex originates from upstream of the reverse flow region and only its detachment from the rotor blade is related to entering this region. The combination of finite rolling moment trim and aft shaft tilt significantly increases rotor lift coefficient and corresponding peak lift-to-drag ratio of the compound rotorcraft. Results are compared with predictions from a comprehensive rotor analysis that is expanded to cover the main effects of the added fixed wing and is able to reproduce general performance trends of the rotorcraft. The present study highlights that adding a single fixed wing and hingeless rotor to a high-speed rotorcraft could significantly improve its performance.

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