Effect of Bio-Inspired Cutout Shapes at the Leading Edge of Propellers on Noise and Flight Efficiency

In recent years, the application of bio-inspired structures has garnered attention for enhancing the performance of fluid machinery. In this study, we experimentally investigated the effects of introducing a bio-inspired cutout structure to the propellers of drones, aiming to improve thrust efficien...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of robotics and mechatronics 2024-10, Vol.36 (5), p.1010-1018
Main Authors: Noda, Ryusuke, Hirose, Masaki, Ikeda, Teruaki, Nakata, Toshiyuki, Liu, Hao
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Efficiency
Flight
Frequency ranges
Noise levels
Noise pollution
Noise reduction
Parameter identification
Propellers
Roundness
Sound localization
Sound pressure
Sound sources
Urban areas
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Summary:In recent years, the application of bio-inspired structures has garnered attention for enhancing the performance of fluid machinery. In this study, we experimentally investigated the effects of introducing a bio-inspired cutout structure to the propellers of drones, aiming to improve thrust efficiency and reduce noise levels. Our results demonstrated reductions in noise levels compared to conventional propellers. Parametric studies revealed that the roundness of the structure significantly influenced both flight efficiency and noise levels, suggesting its importance for replicating the inherent fluid characteristics found in nature. Additionally, optimal parameters for noise reduction, such as the length of the cutout, angle of incision relative to the flow direction, and the distance between the gap were identified. Although no improvements in flight efficiency were observed, most of the models investigated exhibited only around a 5% reduction in efficiency compared to the standard propellers, suggesting practical applicability for scenarios such as nighttime drone operations in urban areas. The noteworthy reduction in sound pressure levels in the mid- to high-frequency range achieved by the bio-inspired propellers in this study holds the potential to address the issue of drone noise pollution and encourage drone operations in urban areas. Moreover, the confirmed decrease in sound pressure at specific frequencies and the suggested controllability hint at the possibility of enhancing sound source localization performance using drones.
ISSN:0915-3942
1883-8049
DOI:10.20965/jrm.2024.p1010