Optimization of Lift Force of Mini Quadrotor Helicopter by Changing of Gap Size between Rotors

Abstract

This paper describes comparison between virtual simulation of quadrotor flying platforms (mini UAV - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and real experiments. In quadrotor helicopter (quadrocopter) air flows that are going out from rotors and affecting each other were simulated. Analysis of several helicopters that have different distances between rotors on different angular velocities were compared. During virtual simulation (with CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics software) there were conducted similar to real experiments with the use of scanned rotors (with 3D scanner) and same environment conditions. These experiments were compared with real experiments. Optimal gap distance between rotors is determined, when helicopter mass is minimum and rotors are creating maximum lifting force and consuming minimum energy (minimum impact on air flows to each other).