Design of Flexible Propellers with Optimized Load-Distribution Characteristics

Sodja, Jurij; Dražumerič, Radovan; Kosel, Tadej; Marzocca, Pier

doi:10.2514/1.c032131

Cited by 22 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…The geometry of the simulated blades was selected based on the influence of their shape, namely, of their respective blade axis, on their aerodynamic performance. An interested reader can consult the paper written by Sodja et al [1] for more information on how the overall geometry of the blades was derived. It was established there that the aerodynamic response of a flexible propeller blade to changing operating conditions strongly depends on the shape of the blade's elastic axis.…”

Section: Blade Geometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Performance of propeller blades can be improved over a range of operating conditions by treating the blades as elastic and accounting for their aeroelastic response which can be optimized for a desired objective [1]. In preliminary design stage, such optimization requires many evaluations of various blade configurations at different operating conditions which is a numerically intensive task.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A fast, robust, and widely applicable low-fidelity model is therefore required. Low-fidelity model based on a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model proposed by Sodja et al [1] is compared against a high-fidelity FSI simulation based on commercially available codes for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computational structural dynamics (CSD). The purpose of the comparison is to provide better insight into the modelling capabilities of the proposed low-fidelity model which is critical for understanding its applicability limitations and for the interpretation of the low-fidelity results.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In order to reduce the computational costs several multi-and variable-fidelity methods have been proposed in the past, for instance by Kwon et al [2] , Piancastelli et al [3] and Nigam et al [4], which rely on low-fidelity methods such as the one proposed by Sodja et al [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…First, the geometries of the analyzed blades are presented in section 2. The low-fidelity model is briefly discussed in section 3, a more detailed presentation can be found in [1]. A detailed description of the FSI setup is supplied in section 4.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Assessment of low-fidelity fluid–structure interaction model for flexible propeller blades

Sodja

Breuker

Nožak

et al. 2018

Aerospace Science and Technology

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Low-fidelity fluid-structure interaction model of flexible propeller blades is assessed by means of comparison with high-fidelity aeroelastic results. The low-fidelity model is based on a coupled extended blade-element momentum model and non-linear beam theory which were both implemented in Matlab. High-fidelity fluid-structure interaction analysis is based on coupling commercial computational fluid dynamics and computational structural dynamics codes. For this purpose, Ansys CFX® and Ansys Mechanical® were used. Three different flexible propeller blade geometries are considered in this study: straight, backward swept, and forward swept. The specific backward and forward swept blades are chosen due to their aeroelastic response and its influence on the propulsive performance of the blade while a straight blade was selected in order to serve as a reference. First, the high-fidelity method is validated against experimental data available for the selected blade geometries. Then the high-and low-fidelity methods are compared in terms of integral thrust and breaking power as well as their respective distributions along the blades are compared for different advancing ratios. In a structural sense, the comparison is performed by analysing the blade bending and

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Section: Blade Geometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Assessment of low-fidelity fluid–structure interaction model for flexible propeller blades

Sodja

Breuker

Nožak

et al. 2018

Aerospace Science and Technology

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Assessment of structural mechanical effects related to torsional deformations of propellers

Möhren,

Bergmann,

Janser

et al. 2024

CEAS Aeronaut J

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Lifting propellers are of increasing interest for Advanced Air Mobility. All propellers and rotors are initially twisted beams, showing significant extension–twist coupling and centrifugal twisting. Torsional deformations severely impact aerodynamic performance. This paper presents a novel approach to assess different reasons for torsional deformations. A reduced-order model runs large parameter sweeps with algebraic formulations and numerical solution procedures. Generic beams represent three different propeller types for General Aviation, Commercial Aviation, and Advanced Air Mobility. Simulations include solid and hollow cross-sections made of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. The investigation shows that centrifugal twisting moments depend on both the elastic and initial twist. The determination of the centrifugal twisting moment solely based on the initial twist suffers from errors exceeding 5% in some cases. The nonlinear parts of the torsional rigidity do not significantly impact the overall torsional rigidity for the investigated propeller types. The extension–twist coupling related to the initial and elastic twist in combination with tension forces significantly impacts the net cross-sectional torsional loads. While the increase in torsional stiffness due to initial twist contributes to the overall stiffness for General and Commercial Aviation propellers, its contribution to the lift propeller’s stiffness is limited. The paper closes with the presentation of approximations for each effect identified as significant. Numerical evaluations are necessary to determine each effect for inhomogeneous cross-sections made of anisotropic material.

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Rapid dynamic load estimation procedure for lifting propellers in forward flight

Möhren,

Bergmann,

Janser

et al. 2024

CEAS Aeronaut J

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Lifting propellers operate at oblique inflow and thus encounter severe dynamic loads during forward flight, impacting structural integrity, fatigue, and vibration. Numerical optimization approaches consider aerodynamic, structural mechanical, and aeroacoustic aspects within preliminary design. To also account for dynamic loads during forward flight, a novel procedure allows their rapid estimation. Based on steady-state simulations combining strip theory and finite beam elements, aerodynamic excitation, damping, and stiffness are defined in the frequency domain. Loads are derived through a linear inflow model and quasi-steady aerodynamics. Damping and stiffness loads are linearized and transferred into matrix form to calculate the frequency response. The computationally expensive need for simulations in the time domain is thus avoided. Applicability extends to both fixed and variable pitch lifting propellers utilized in large multicopters for cargo or passenger transportation. Comparisons to time-marching simulations show good agreement with deviations of approximately 10 %. The analytical derivation yields physical insights to understand and reduce dynamic loads and their magnification due to resonance.

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Design of Flexible Propellers with Optimized Load-Distribution Characteristics

Cited by 22 publications

References 10 publications

Assessment of low-fidelity fluid–structure interaction model for flexible propeller blades

Assessment of low-fidelity fluid–structure interaction model for flexible propeller blades

Assessment of structural mechanical effects related to torsional deformations of propellers

Rapid dynamic load estimation procedure for lifting propellers in forward flight

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