Comprehensive Analysis of Single and Coaxial Small UAS Propellers in Axial Forward Flight

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis is used to analyze performance of a small uninhabited aerial system (SUAS) propeller. Various airfoil analysis techniques are explored and verified using single propeller static test data for thrust and power. The SUAS propeller operates in a Reynolds Number range where laminar to turbulent boundary layer transition behavior is historically known to strongly impact airfoil section behavior. Results using various prediction methods for airfoil behavior are compared and discussed with regards to their impact on overall propeller performance prediction accuracy. Predictions of performance and trim are made for a coaxial arrangement of the SUAS propeller, for which future testing is planned.