Validation Study of Reynolds Stress Model Coupled With Gamma Transition for UAV Propellers

Abstract

The current study is carried out to investigate complex near-wall flow effects like separation and cross-flow and their impact on UAV performance. Furthermore, the study proposes using the novel SSG/LRR-ω-γ model, which is a second-order closure, Reynolds stress transport-based transition turbulence model, that can help capture the near-wall flow observed in low Reynolds number flows. To prove the credibility of the model, it is validated against experimental data available for the DJI Phantom 3 propeller. The SSG/LRR-ω-γ model is then compared against other transition models as well as fully turbulent models and was found to show better performance when assessed on their ability to predict rotor performance characteristics as well as near-wall flow behavior.