scholarly journals Computational studies of the rotors aerodynamic characteristics of multirotor drones

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 60-75
Author(s):  
K. G. Kosushkin ◽  
B. S. Kritsky ◽  
R. M. Mirgazov

The article presents the results of computational studies of aerodynamic characteristics for unmanned lift-generating multi-rotor drones of various configurations. The distinctive features of rotors flow were characterized. The rotor interaction was evaluated. The computations were based on the nonlinear rotor blade vortex theory in a non-stationary arrangement. The combinations of four, eight (four coaxial) and fourteen two-bladed rotors at velocity V = 100, 150, 200 km/h were considered. Semi-empirical methods were employed to select the rotor angles of attack, rotation speed, blade installation angles and geometric parameters at the given take-off weight for each combination of rotors and flight airspeed. The computations showed that for a four-rotor lift-generating design (quad-rotor), two rotors installed downstream, depending on the velocity due to the mutual effect, have values of the thrust coefficients ≈10...20% less than those of the rotors located upstream. For a coaxial quad-copter, the effect of the upper front rotor on the upper rear rotor is similar to the effect of the front rotors on the rear ones in a four-rotor lift-generating design. The effect of the upper front rotor on the lower rear rotor does not vary in terms of the average thrust value, and variations are only local in nature. The interaction of other rotors is identical to that of the four-rotor version. A fourteen-rotor lift-generating multi-rotor drone has a complex flow pattern, which generates deviance in the thrust coefficients variation with respect to time. Depending on the mode and rotors location, the average rotor thrust coefficient can vary approximately twice. The computations showed that with the similar geometric parameters and kinematics characteristics, rotors thrust is substantially subject to variation, which causes destabilizing moments to a significant degree without additional control input. Thrust pulsations and, respectively, vibrations grow in intensity as the flight airspeed increases. Probably, the right choice of the rotor configuration and the automatic control system can counterbalance thrust surge by so-called "phasing", i.e. selecting an initial azimuth angle for each rotor.

2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 873-911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianna A Shubov ◽  
Laszlo P Kindrat

Abstract The distribution of natural frequencies of the Euler–Bernoulli beam subject to fully non-dissipative boundary conditions is investigated. The beam is clamped at the left end and equipped with a 4-parameter ($\alpha ,\beta ,k_1,k_2$) linear boundary feedback law at the right end. The $2 \times 2$ boundary feedback matrix relates the control input (a vector of velocity and its spatial derivative at the right end), to the output (a vector of shear and moment at the right end). The initial boundary value problem describing the dynamics of the beam has been reduced to the first order in time evolution equation in the state Hilbert space equipped with the energy norm. The dynamics generator has a purely discrete spectrum (the vibrational modes) denoted by $\{\nu _n\}_{n\in \mathbb {Z}^{\prime}}$. The role of the control parameters is examined and the following results have been proven: (i) when $\beta \neq 0$, the set of vibrational modes is asymptotically close to the vertical line on the complex $\nu$-plane given by the equation $\Re \nu = \alpha + (1-k_1k_2)/\beta$; (ii) when $\beta = 0$ and the parameter $K = (1-k_1 k_2)/(k_1+k_2)$ is such that $\left |K\right |\neq 1$ then the following relations are valid: $\Re (\nu _n/n) = O\left (1\right )$ and $\Im (\nu _n/n^2) = O\left (1\right )$ as $\left |n\right |\to \infty$; (iii) when $\beta =0$, $|K| = 1$, and $\alpha = 0$, then the following relations are valid: $\Re (\nu _n/n^2) = O\left (1\right )$ and $\Im (\nu _n/n) = O\left (1\right )$ as $\left |n\right |\to \infty$; (iv) when $\beta =0$, $|K| = 1$, and $\alpha>0$, then the following relations are valid: $\Re (\nu _n/\ln \left |n\right |) = O\left (1\right )$ and $\Im (\nu _n/n^2) = O\left (1\right )$ as $\left |n\right |\to \infty$.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-284
Author(s):  
Olga Nikolic ◽  
Igor Cvejic

The aim of this paper is to show, contra the right-libertarian critique of social justice, that there are good reasons for defending policies of social justice within a free society. In the first part of the paper, we will present two influential right-libertarian critiques of social justice, found in Friedrich Hayek?s Law, Legislation and Liberty and Robert Nozick?s Anarchy, State and Utopia. Based on their approach, policies of social justice are seen as an unjustified infringement on freedoms of individual members of a society. In response to this critique, we will introduce the distincion between formal and factual freedom and argue that the formal principle of freedom defended by Hayek and Nozick does not suffice for the protection of factual freedom of members of a society, because it does not recognize (1) the moral obligation to help those who, without their fault, lack factual freedom to a significant degree, and (2) the legal obligation of the state to protect civic dignity of all members of a society. In the second part of the paper, we offer an interpretation of Kant?s argument on taxation, according to which civic dignity presupposes factual freedom, in order to argue that Kant?s justification of taxation offers good reasons for claiming that the state has the legal obligation to protect factual freedom via the policies of social justice.


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 991-995 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Manninen ◽  
N. G. Kleimenova ◽  
A. Kozlovsky ◽  
I. A. Kornilov ◽  
L. I. Gromova ◽  
...  

Abstract. We investigate a non-typical very low frequency (VLF) 1–4 kHz hiss representing a sequence of separated noise bursts with a strange "mushroom-like" shape in the frequency–time domain, each one lasting several minutes. These strange afternoon VLF emissions were recorded at Kannuslehto (KAN, ϕ = 67.74° N, λ = 26.27° E; L ∼ 5.5) in northern Finland during the late recovery phase of the small magnetic storm on 8 December 2013. The left-hand (LH) polarized 2–3 kHz "mushroom caps" were clearly separated from the right-hand (RH) polarized "mushroom stems" at the frequency of about 1.8–1.9 kHz, which could match the lower ionosphere waveguide cutoff (the first transverse resonance of the Earth–ionosphere cavity). We hypothesize that this VLF burst sequence could be a result of the modulation of the VLF hiss electron–cyclotron instability from the strong Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations observed simultaneously at ground-based stations as well as in the inner magnetosphere by the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission probe (THEMIS-E; ThE). This assumption is confirmed by a similar modulation of the intensity of the energetic (1–10 keV) electrons simultaneously observed by the same ThE spacecraft. In addition, the data of the European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association (EISCAT) radar at Tromsø show a similar quasi-periodicity in the ratio of the Hall-to-Pedersen conductance, which may be used as a proxy for the energetic particle precipitation enhancement. Our findings suggest that this strange mushroom-like shape of the considered VLF hiss could be a combined mutual effect of the magnetospheric ULF–VLF (ultra low frequency–very low frequency) wave interaction and the ionosphere waveguide propagation.


Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 3861
Author(s):  
Karina Soto-Rivas ◽  
David Richter ◽  
Cristian Escauriaza

Tidal energy converter (TEC) arrays in tidal channels generate complex flow phenomena due to interactions with the local environment and among devices. Models with different resolutions are thus employed to study flows past TEC farms, which consider multiple spatial and temporal scales. Simulations over tidal cycles use mesoscale ocean circulation models, incorporating a thrust coefficient to model the momentum sink that represents the effects of the array. In this work, we propose an expression for a thrust coefficient to represent finite-sized farms of TEC turbines at larger scales, C t F a r m , which depends on the spatial organization of the devices. We use a coherent-structure resolving turbulence model coupled with the actuator disk approach to simulate staggered turbine configurations in more detail, varying the separation among devices and the ratios between the channel depths and hub heights. Based on these simulations, we calculate the resultant force for various subsets of devices within the farm, and their corresponding effective thrust coefficient, C t F a r m . We conclude that the thrust coefficient depends solely on the lateral separation of the devices, S y , for farms with only two rows. For farms with more than two rows, the streamwise distance, S x , must be considered as well. With the proposed expression, it is possible to calculate efficiently the effects of finite-sized TEC farms and incorporate a momentum sink into ocean circulation models, without assuming a constant coefficient derived from an infinite farm approximation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
Shiyu Feng ◽  
Chenchen Wang ◽  
Xiaotian Peng ◽  
Yan Yan ◽  
Yang Deng ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of the PRD geometric parameters, including the area and aspect ratio, on the discharge and force characteristics of pressure relief process under various plenum compartment pressures and Mach numbers. Design/methodology/approach Under various plenum compartment pressures and Mach numbers, the effect of the area and aspect ratio on the discharge and force characteristics of the PRD are numerically investigated via a three-dimensional steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations solver based on structured grid technology. Findings When the aspect ratio remains constant, the discharge coefficient CD, thrust coefficient CT and moment coefficient CM are not affected by the PRD. When the area is constant, the aspect ratio dramatically impacts the discharge and force characteristics because the aspect ratio increases, the discharge coefficient CD of the PRD decreases, and the thrust coefficient CT and the moment coefficient CM both increase. When the aspect ratio is 2, the discharge coefficient CD decreases by 14.7 per cent, the thrust coefficient CT increases by 10-15 per cent, and the moment coefficient CM increases by 10-23 per cent compared with when the aspect ratio is 1. Practical implications This study provides detailed data and conclusions for nacelle PRD researchers and actual engineering applications. Originality/value On the basis of considering the influence of operating conditions on the discharge and force characteristics of the nacelle PRD, the impact of geometric parameters, including the area and aspect ratio on the discharge and force characteristics is comprehensively considered.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Nahyeon Roh ◽  
Sejong Oh ◽  
Donghun Park

The tail rotor of a helicopter operating under low-speed crosswind undergoes highly complex flow due to the interaction between the main rotor, fuselage, and tail rotor system. In this study, numerical simulations have been conducted on the complete configuration of a helicopter with a ducted fan tail rotor system (comprising a main rotor, ducted fan tail rotor, fuselage, and empennage) to analyze the wake interaction in hovering flight under various crosswind directions. The flow characteristics around the tail rotor, the tail rotor thrust, and the yawing moment of the helicopter are investigated and evaluated. The aerodynamic forces are compared with those of a helicopter with an open-type tail rotor. The results indicate that the aerodynamic performance of the ducted fan tail rotor is highly affected by the wakes of both the main rotor and port wing. Nevertheless, the helicopter with a ducted fan tail rotor is observed to be much more directionally stable under various crosswind directions, than that with an open-type tail rotor. This is because the rotor is protected by the fixed part of the tail rotor system in the former case.


2013 ◽  
Vol 477-478 ◽  
pp. 277-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Yang ◽  
Song Ping Wu ◽  
Wen Xin Hou

Aerodynamic characteristic analysis of hypersonic cruise aircraft is more difficult than that of conventional aircraft, for the complex flow field simulation and inadequate amount of results under limited flight conditions. In this paper, numerical schemes applicable for hypersonic flow field are adopted to acquire a set of aerodynamic characteristics of a typical hypersonic cruise aircraft as sample data, based on which response surface models (RSM) are constructed to provide approximation of aerodynamic characteristics under any flight conditions within the design domain, finally the overall approximation performance of the response surface models are analyzed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 293 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-268
Author(s):  
Ryan Palmer ◽  
Martin Utley

AbstractService networks are common throughout the modern world, yet understanding how their individual services effect each other and contribute to overall system performance can be difficult. An important metric in these systems is the quality of service. This is an often overlooked measure when modelling and relates to how customers are affected by a service. Presented is a novel perspective for evaluating the performance of multi-class queueing networks through a combination of operational performance and service quality—denoted the “flow of outcomes”. Here, quality is quantified by customers moving between or remaining in classes as a result of receiving service or lacking service. Importantly, each class may have different flow parameters, hence the positive/negative impact of service quality on the system’s operational performance is captured. A fluid–diffusion approximation for networks of stochastic queues is used since it allows for several complex flow dynamics: the sequential use of multiple services; abandonment and possible rejoin; reuse of the same service; multiple customers classes; and, class and time dependent parameters. The scalability of the approach is a significant benefit since, the modelled systems may be relatively large, and the included flow dynamics may render the system analytically intractable or computationally burdensome. Under the right conditions, this method provides a framework for quickly modelling large time-dependent systems. This combination of computational speed and the “flow of outcomes” provides new avenues for the analysis of multi-class service networks where both service quality and operational efficiency interact.


2019 ◽  
Vol 304 ◽  
pp. 02017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Kazula ◽  
Mark Wöllner ◽  
David Grasselt ◽  
Klaus Höschler

This paper reveals the influence of selected geometric parameters on the aerodynamic performance of circular variable aero engine inlets in transonic and supersonic civil aviation. The trade-off in inlet design and aerodynamic evaluation parameters are presented. The approach to investigate the dependencies between the aerodynamic and geometric parameters at different flight conditions by means of a parametric design study is introduced. The dependencies of inlet drag and efficiency from geometric parameters at flight speeds of Mach 0.95 up to Mach 1.6 are identified. Although entailing additional weight, the inlet length represents the parameter with the highest potential for drag reduction by up to 50% in the selected design space. Ideal geometries for variable pitot inlets are determined. After considering weight, their potential range benefit nearly disappears for subsonic applications, but remains above 20% for supersonic flight at Mach 1.6.


1994 ◽  
Vol 269 ◽  
pp. 199-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadhan C. Jana ◽  
Guy Metcalfe ◽  
J. M. Ottino

A complex Stokes flow has several cells, is subject to bifurcation, and its velocity field is, with rare exceptions, only available from numerical computations. We present experimental and computational studies of two new complex Stokes flows: a vortex mixing flow and multicell flows in slender cavities. We develop topological relations between the geometry of the flow domain and the family of physically realizable flows; we study bifurcations and symmetries, in particular to reveal how the forcing protocol's phase hides or reveals symmetries. Using a variety of dynamical tools, comparisons of boundary integral equation numerical computations to dye advection experiments are made throughout. Several findings challenge commonly accepted wisdom. For example, we show that higher-order periodic points can be more important than period-one points in establishing the advection template and extended regions of large stretching. We demonstrate also that a broad class of forcing functions produces the same qualitative mixing patterns. We experimentally verify the existence of potential mixing zones for adiabatic forcing and investigate the crossover from adiabatic to non-adiabatic behaviour. Finally, we use the entire array of tools to address an optimization problem for a complex flow. We conclude that none of the dynamical tools alone can successfully fulfil the role of a merit function; however, the collection of tools can be applied successively as a dynamical sieve to uncover a global optimum.


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