Optimization of thin electric propeller using physics-based surrogate model with space mapping

Mian, Haris Hameed; Wang, Gang; Zhou, Hao; Wu, Xiao-Jun

doi:10.1016/j.ast.2021.106563

Cited by 15 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…The propeller diameter under the aircraft dimensional constraints is set at 2 m. Considering the advantage altitude range for UAM (150 to 1000 m above the ground level), the CRP operating altitude is set at 500 m, with the resulting air density and viscosity. According to some previous research on propeller optimization [18,20,21], three spanwise control sections for each blade are sufficient for the propeller geometric definition. Considering the aerodynamic interference in the CRP, more rigorous profile definition might be required.…”

Section: Optimization Design Scope and Settingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rapid Blade Shape Optimization for Contra-Rotating Propellers for eVTOL Aircraft Considering the Aerodynamic Interference

Qiao

et al. 2023

Aerospace

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The rising interest in the evolvability of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) promises substantial potential in the field of urban air mobility (UAM). Challenges in energy storage density and geometry restriction both emphasize the propeller efficiency for endurance and takeoff weight, whereas the contra-rotating propellers (CRP) advantage is balancing high thrust and efficiency over a single propeller. The aim of this paper is twofold: (i) to present a novel rapid CRP blade shape optimization framework and (ii) to study the impact of the dual propellers revolution speed allocations on the overall CRP power efficiency. The core of the framework is the blade element momentum theory (BEMT)-based blade shape optimization considering the wake effect of the upper propeller by the rotational CFD (computational fluid dynamics) actuator-disc simulation method. The results show that for the same thrust, the optimized CRP at the equal revolution speed is superior to the original (upper-lower-identical) one by 5.9% in thrust-to-power ratio. The overall efficiency can be additionally lifted by 5.3% when the dual propellers share similar torques. By excluding the integral propeller CFD simulation and empirical parameters estimation, the framework enables the swift obtaining of an optimized CRP scheme while maintaining robustness as well.

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Section: Optimization Design Scope and Settingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rapid Blade Shape Optimization for Contra-Rotating Propellers for eVTOL Aircraft Considering the Aerodynamic Interference

Qiao

et al. 2023

Aerospace

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“…Recent studies have assessed only optimal build materials for propellers through CFD-FEA analysis coupled with optimization techniques to minimize the failure index, which resulted in an optimum laminate with unbalanced nonsystematic stacking [14]. Additional studies have carried out propeller optimization through space mapping surrogate modeling coupled with open source propeller analyses and design programs such as QPROP, and the latter has resulted in an optimized design where the propeller geometry is suggested [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aircraft Propeller Design through Constrained Aero-Structural Particle Swarm Optimization

et al. 2022

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An aero-structural algorithm to reduce the energy consumption of a propeller-driven aircraft is developed through a propeller design method coupled with a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). A wide range of propeller parameters is considered in the optimization, including the geometry of the airfoil at each propeller section. The propeller performance prediction tool employs a convergence improved Blade Element Momentum Theory fed by airfoil aerodynamic characteristics obtained from XFOIL and a validated OpenFOAM. A stall angle correction is estimated from experimental NACA 4-digits data and employed where convergence issues emerge. The aerodynamic data are corrected to account for compressibility, three-dimensional, viscous, and Reynolds number effects. The coefficients for the rotational corrections are proposed from experimental data fitting. A structural model based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is employed and validated against Finite Element Analysis, while the impact of centrifugal forces is discussed. A case of study is carried out where the chord and pitch distributions are compared to minimal losses distribution from vortex theory. Wind tunnel tests were performed with printed propellers to conclude the feasibility of the entire routine and the differences between XFOIL and CFD optimal propellers. Finally, the optimal CFD propeller is compared against a commercial propeller with the same diameter, pitch, and operational conditions, showing higher thrust and efficiency.

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Optimization of Energy Efficiency According to Freud’s Disk Theory Depending on Propel Pitch Angles

Ucar

Bayrak

Tanyeri

2023

Sustainable Aviation

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Optimization of thin electric propeller using physics-based surrogate model with space mapping

Cited by 15 publications

References 30 publications

Rapid Blade Shape Optimization for Contra-Rotating Propellers for eVTOL Aircraft Considering the Aerodynamic Interference

Rapid Blade Shape Optimization for Contra-Rotating Propellers for eVTOL Aircraft Considering the Aerodynamic Interference

Aircraft Propeller Design through Constrained Aero-Structural Particle Swarm Optimization

Optimization of Energy Efficiency According to Freud’s Disk Theory Depending on Propel Pitch Angles

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