Analysis of quadcopter propeller vibration based on laser vibrometer

Abstract

An unbalanced propeller can affect a quadcopter's performance due to vibration, also decreasing its thrust's yield. Analyses were conducted to determine the correlation between vibration in the dynamic movement of a balanced and an imbalanced propeller using a laser vibrometer (portable digital vibrometer) PDV-100, to determine the correlation between propeller rotational speed and its vibration, as well as to determine the propeller's maximum rotational speed to avoid over-vibration. The vibration analysis was conducted on a carbon fiber 2-blade propeller by comparing the results of vibration tests with the propeller blade contour. The vibration response of the propeller has been analyzed at three points, respectively the hub, the center, and the tip of the blade, to determine the point having the largest value of the vibration on the propeller running at a maximum rotation speed of 7000 rpm. The same analysis was made on two propellers: the first one of type 1340 with a diameter of 13 inches and the second one of type 1447 with a diameter of 14 inches. The vibration was reduced by propeller's static balancing, thus increasing the propeller stability. The result showed that an imbalanced propeller generated a decrease in the rotational speed and higher vibration values compared to the balanced propeller. The vibration values showed a linear dependency to the rotor speed; the higher the speed, the bigger the vibration. The limit of rotational speed for the balanced model of the 1340 type propeller was 5000 rpm whilst the corresponding value for the 1447 type propeller was 4500 rpm. Finally, the result was used to optimize the propeller's overall performance.

Theoretical study into the aerodynamic imbalance of a propeller blade and the correcting masses to balance it

“…Aerodynamic (gas-dynamic) imbalance in a broad sense occurs in the propellers of large [1] and small [2] aircraft, turbo-assemblies [3], turbochargers of ICEs [4], axial fans of low [5] and high [6] pressure, GTEs [7], etc.…”

“…The imbalance of any origin increases the vibrations of machines [1][2][3][4][5][6][7], reduces the speed of rotation of the impeller, the traction force of the propeller [2], the efficiency of ICE [4] or GTE [7], etc.…”

An Evaluation of the Drone Delivery of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors for Anaphylaxis: Pharmacists’ Perceptions, Acceptance, and Concerns

“…During normal horizontal flight, this dropped to only 0.1 Hz. However, when rotors are damaged or poorly balanced, vibration will increase with a concomitant lowering of thrust performance [41]. The g-force also needs to be considered, so in the present study, this was measured directly on board the flight, see Section 2.5 and Figure 1d, and the stability of the transported adrenaline measured post flight, after exposure to this force.…”

Ultra‐Damping Composites Enhanced by Yolk–Shell Piezoelectric Damping Mechanism

“…Vibration and noise issues have become predominant challenges in transportation and advanced engineering fields (e.g., high-speed trains, automobiles, delicate motors, and propellers), which also damage industrial stability, environment protection, human motor function, and hearing. [1][2][3][4] Polymers, exhibiting outstanding viscoelasticity and processability, are selected as primary damping materials to reduce vibration and noise in extensive research. [5,6] However, the damping property of polymers based on the intense friction of molecular chain around the glass-transition temperature (T g ), [7,8] which leads to a narrow temperature range and immensely hinders the vibration and noise reduction performance.…”