Tyto Robotics looks at CFD Model and experimental testing, focusing specifically on the difference between simulation and reality for a 60” UAV propeller, with results from a recent test.
Report Summary
The report summarizes tests and simulations that were completed to determine the relationship between numerical simulation results and experimental data for a 60″ UAV propeller.
The Ansys Fluent software was used to generate a CFD model of our 60” propeller, which was then experimentally tested with the Flight Stand 150 thrust stand.
What Tyto Robotics discovered was that during tests from 1000 – 2000 RPM, the CFD simulation underpredicted thrust by 69%.
Procedure
Simulations and experimental tests were run in parallel over the course of several weeks.
The Ansys simulation was designed to mimic the experimental lab space, including the proximity of walls, obstacles and the overall size of the room. The thrust stand and propulsion system were also modeled to the exact dimensions of their live counterparts.
Each Ansys simulation took an average of 10 days to complete using a computer with a latest generation GPU. Occasionally, the simulation would fail to converge and the parameters would have to be adjusted before restarting the simulation. Overall, the dozen simulations we completed took about 20 weeks to run. Preceding the simulations, our team completed 16 hours of training with a consultant.
In parallel, Tyto ran experimental tests using the Flight Stand 150 thrust stand. The company used a 60kW power supply to power the stand, mounted with aTA150 motor and 60” propeller.
Read the full results from the report and conclusion here, or visit the Tyto Robotics website to find out more.
