Blade shape optimization in hover and forward flight

Abstract

Novel aircraft configuration, such as drones, have emerged during the last decades. This project aims to offer insights into drone development, enhancing its efficiency by means of rotor optimization utilizing well-established theoretical models based on blade element momentum theory for estimating thrust generation and power requirements at hover and forward flight. The impact on performance of chord and airfoils pitch angle, particularly focusing on the twist, which is how pitch changes along the blade, is analyzed, followed by optimizations of multiple chord and twist distributions at different flight conditions. Additionally, Computational fluid dynamics tools are employed to simulate resulting rotor geometries and to the baseline. Simulations and model predict power reductions of 3% to 17%, with negative twist rates and increased platform as main characteristics of most efficient geometries.