Analysis of the Impact of Structural Parameter Changes on the Overall Aerodynamic Characteristics of Ducted UAVs

Abstract

Ducted UAVs have attracted much attention because the duct structure can reduce the propeller tip vortices and thus increase the effective lift area of the lower propeller. This paper investigates the effects of parameters on the aerodynamic characteristics of ducted UAVs, such as co-axial twin propeller configuration and duct structure. The aerodynamic characteristics of the UAV were analyzed using CFD methods, while the impact sensitivity analysis of the simulation data was sorted using the orthogonal test method. The results indicate that, while maintaining overall strength, increasing the propeller spacing by about 0.055 times the duct chord length can increase the lift of the upper propeller by approximately 1.3% faster. Reducing the distance between the propeller and the top surface of the duct by about 0.5 times the duct chord length can increase the lift of the lower propeller by approximately 7.7%. Increasing the chord length of the duct cross-section by about 35.3% can simultaneously make the structure of the duct and the total lift of the drone faster by approximately 150.6% and 15.7%, respectively. This research provides valuable guidance and reference for the subsequent overall design of ducted UAVs.