<p>In the aviation industry, drones are increasingly used for different purposes. They come in various types, shapes, and sizes based on their motive, ranging from small quadcopters to larger drones for cargo transport. Drones are generally prioritized due to their superior and safe performance, easy accessibility, and adaptable capabilities. Their efficiency depends on the speed at which the operation is carried out, which affects overall performance. The performance device that is most affected by increased speed is the drone’s propeller. On one hand, high speed can enhance lift and performance, whereas on the other hand, it imposes aerodynamic, mechanical, and power-related challenges. Thus, by focusing on the aerodynamic factor, speed balancing can be achieved by designing an efficient propeller to attain optimal performance while maintaining efficiency and stability in high-speed drones. Previous researchers have introduced the concept of variable pitch propellers (VPP), which adjust the blade angle to maintain optimal lift and efficiency at high speeds. However, VPPs still have not fully addressed challenges such as increased drag, potential stall, and tip-speed effects, ultimately affecting efficiency. To overcome these drawbacks, researchers have explored the idea of tubercles, which help improve propeller performance at high angles of attack and higher RPMs. However, tubercles also present certain performance drawbacks, such as a potential reduction in maximum efficiency, increased surface area, and added weight, which contribute to an increased drag coefficient and mixed performance across speeds. This study focuses on improving overall aerodynamic efficiency by addressing factors such as an increase in overall efficiency, thrust force, and power. By concentrating on these factors, the aim is to develop different propeller designs by modifying tubercle parameters such as amplitude, wavelength, and position. Many studies have been conducted on propellers to enhance drone operations, and experts continue to explore ways to improve efficiency. One effective approach is incorporating leading-edge (LE) tubercles on propellers, which enhance the overall efficiency of drones. To fulfil the purpose of this study, a numerical investigation is carried out by comparing the baseline model with a propeller featuring tubercles. Based on previous literature, the improved performance and increased overall efficiency of tubercle-equipped propellers demonstrate superior performance compared to baseline propellers.</p>

Effect of amplitude and wavelength of tubercles on propeller performance

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年6月25日

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Mayuri R. Gore,
Ganapati N. Joshi

摘要

In the aviation industry, drones are increasingly used for different purposes. They come in various types, shapes, and sizes based on their motive, ranging from small quadcopters to larger drones for cargo transport. Drones are generally prioritized due to their superior and safe performance, easy accessibility, and adaptable capabilities. Their efficiency depends on the speed at which the operation is carried out, which affects overall performance. The performance device that is most affected by increased speed is the drone’s propeller. On one hand, high speed can enhance lift and performance, whereas on the other hand, it imposes aerodynamic, mechanical, and power-related challenges. Thus, by focusing on the aerodynamic factor, speed balancing can be achieved by designing an efficient propeller to attain optimal performance while maintaining efficiency and stability in high-speed drones. Previous researchers have introduced the concept of variable pitch propellers (VPP), which adjust the blade angle to maintain optimal lift and efficiency at high speeds. However, VPPs still have not fully addressed challenges such as increased drag, potential stall, and tip-speed effects, ultimately affecting efficiency. To overcome these drawbacks, researchers have explored the idea of tubercles, which help improve propeller performance at high angles of attack and higher RPMs. However, tubercles also present certain performance drawbacks, such as a potential reduction in maximum efficiency, increased surface area, and added weight, which contribute to an increased drag coefficient and mixed performance across speeds. This study focuses on improving overall aerodynamic efficiency by addressing factors such as an increase in overall efficiency, thrust force, and power. By concentrating on these factors, the aim is to develop different propeller designs by modifying tubercle parameters such as amplitude, wavelength, and position. Many studies have been conducted on propellers to enhance drone operations, and experts continue to explore ways to improve efficiency. One effective approach is incorporating leading-edge (LE) tubercles on propellers, which enhance the overall efficiency of drones. To fulfil the purpose of this study, a numerical investigation is carried out by comparing the baseline model with a propeller featuring tubercles. Based on previous literature, the improved performance and increased overall efficiency of tubercle-equipped propellers demonstrate superior performance compared to baseline propellers.