The aim of this paper is to introduce a multirotorcraft with morphing capabilities. Unlike conventional multicopters whose body fly in a horizontal configuration, the proposed platform is be able to rotate its body into a vertical flying mode configuration. The research presented considers an 8-engine vehicle that is able to fly with 4-engines in case of rotor failure. The vertical flight mode is also intended for enabling navigation through narrow areas where conventional helicopter are too big to operate properly. Also, the convertible flight functionality allows saving battery if necessary. The dynamic model of the vehicle while performing in horizontal and vertical configurations is presented. An animated model shows the functionality of the vehicle while performing the transition maneuver.
The paper presents results of an experimental study conducted to understand the effect of a bio-inspired blade planform on the small propeller thrust and energy consumption. In the study, the Cicada wing was used as a prototype for the blade planform. This blade planform was combined with symmetric (NACA 0015) and asymmetric (NACA 64(4)-221) airfoils resulting in two propellers with bio-inspired blades. The comparative analysis of these two propellers is complimented with the analysis of two propellers with rectangular blades with the same profiles: NACA 0015 and NACA 64(4)-221. The two airfoils were selected for the study based on a review of airfoils suitable for small rotorcrafts, which are of interest for our research. The blade span and the blade planform area of the four propellers are the same. The propellers were manufactured using the 3D printing technology, which affects the blade shape and surface. A study was conducted to analyze the effect of 3D printing on the performance of the propellers with the NACA 0015 blade profiles. In the paper, the performance of propellers with untreated blades, that is, right after their printing, is compared with that of the same propellers, but with the blades soaked several times in a chemical solvent that smoothed the blade surface/shape.
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