Multi-objective Optimization of Aerodynamic Blade Shapes for Quadcopter System to Enhance Hovering Thrust and Power Consumption Efficiency

• Published in: International journal of aeronautical and space sciences 2023, 24(3), , pp.689-700
• Main Authors: Yoon, Jaehyun, Lim, Kihoon, Park, Sang-in, Doh, Jaehyeok
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerospace Technology and Astronautics; Engineering; Fluid- and Aerodynamics; Original Paper; 항공우주공학
• ISSN: 2093-274X; 2093-2480
• DOI: 10.1007/s42405-023-00600-9

This study focuses on maximizing hovering thrust and minimizing the power consumption of a quad-copter system at the same time by conducting multi-dimensional optimization of aerodynamic blade shapes. This work examines geometrical design variables for blades that influence thrusts, and the lift and drag (L&D) forces are calculated based on shape changes using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Based on both L&D forces obtained from CFD, surrogate models are generated using the response surface method (RSM). The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is employed to acquire optimal blade shapes. Seven alternative shape combinations are obtained from the optimal combination obtained by the NSGA-II, each with a different L and D force value. These blades are printed engines via additive manufacturing, and a thrust test is conducted to measure power consumption using a voltmeter. As a result, it was possible to derive optimal blade shape combinations that can be chosen according to the flight conditions, and one can see that the predicted flight (i.e., an operating motor of a rotor blade) time by the analytical equation to identify battery specs is a good agreement with the actual battery consumption time measured via the thrust test.