City Research Online

Abstract

Enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of commercial multi-rotor propellers can be accomplished by implementing creative designs influenced by the wing structures of different insects. The present research is examining the feasibilityof using insect-inspired propellers in missions, with a particular focus on studying their aerodynamic performance in four main areas: flight time, rotational speed, mechanical power, and propeller efficiency. The present study draws inspiration from the wing forms of six insect species: Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Mantodea, Odonata, and Hymenoptera to enhance DJI Phantom-3 propeller performance requirements. Numerical simulations were performed to assess performance utilizing the moving reference frame approach (Multiple Reference Frame) and the SST k-ω turbulence model. The evaluations were focused on hover circumstances at rotational speeds between 4000 and 8000 rpm. There is a notable agreement between the numerical simulation and experimental findings. The results clearly showed that the propellers inspired by insects exhibit enhanced performance in specified missions. The Hemiptera propeller showed improved performance by decreasing the rotational speed at hovering condition. It demonstrated a 9.8% increase in flight time and rotated 13.36% slower than the DJI Phantom-3 propeller at hovering condition, with no additional weight. Ultimately, the wing planforms inspired by insects has significant potential to improve the aerodynamic performance of small multi-rotor rotors. This study's findings provide vital insights on how creative designs can surpass typical propeller configurations in terms of flight time and rotational speed.

Publication Type:	Article
Publisher Keywords:	Bio-inspired, Insect, Propeller, Multi-rotor, Aerodynamic Performance, Numerical Simulations
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
Departments:	School of Science & Technology School of Science & Technology > Engineering
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

Export

Downloads