Aerodynamic optimization of ducted propeller for unmanned aerial vehicles

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Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems are currently applied in a wide range of applications including public safety, firefighting, aerial photography, and industrial inspection in Canada. Draganfly Innovations Inc. has been designing and manufacturing small unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV) since 1998 in Saskatoon. Most of the UAV systems developed by Draganfly Innovations are based on the multi-rotor helicopter concept with high maneuverability, vertical take-off and landing, hovering, low-speed fight, and high payload capabilities. Draganfly Innovations is currently developing a new UAV which combines the maneuverability, stability of the previous UAVs with an efficient glide phase. An important element of the new UAV is a system of three ducted propeller which not only propels the aircraft but also and plays an important role in the control of the vehicle for landing, take-off and other maneuvers. The duct covers the circumference of the propeller for safety and higher thrust force. The cross section of the fan can be designed to also produce lift and enhance the efficiency of the cruise phase. This collaborative project between the Laboratory of Turbulent Flows of the University of Alberta and Draganfly Innovations Inc. aims at the development of an experimental test facility for investigation of the performance of ducted propellers. A ducted propeller system with interchangeable components will be designed with emphasis on simplicity, production by additive manufacturing. Measurements will be carried out in the large wind tunnel facility at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of UofA to evaluate the effect of different design variables. The project will initiate development of advanced wind-tunnel testing capabilities for aerodynamic design of civilian and military UAVs in western Canada.