Ph.D. Proposal
Abraham Atte
(Advisor: Prof. Juergen Rauleder)
Experimental Analysis of the Complex Aerodynamic Interactions of Multirotor Systems
Wednesday, October 30
1:00 p.m.
Price Gilbert Room 4222
Abstract
Vertical lift vehicles, particularly multirotor electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) have revolutionized modern aviation. Since the 1930s, this technology has evolved significantly, with modern crewed and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) performing a wide range of missions, including military surveillance, cargo delivery, emergency services, and search and rescue. However, the complex aerodynamic environments encountered during these missions present significant challenges to vehicle performance and control.
These challenges arise from two primary factors. First, rotor–rotor and rotor–body interactions create aerodynamic flow features that can deviate from isolated rotor conditions. These interactions can impact thrust production, vehicle stability, and overall mission efficiency, while also affecting critical factors such as battery life and mission range. Second, many missions require eVTOL vehicles to operate in confined spaces or near boundaries, such as walls or the ground, where near-boundary flight conditions further alter vehicle performance. The induced aerodynamic effects in these environments can lead to performance losses or gains, depending on the proximity to boundaries, and must be carefully considered in mission planning.
To address these challenges, this research focuses on understanding the effects of rotor–rotor interactions in forward flight and the effects of near-boundary flight on multirotor vehicle performance. The experiments will seek to understand the impacts of vehicle configuration or rotor aerodynamic performance and the implications on vehicle stability. Furthermore, the research aims to uncover the the pertinent flow features leading to the aerodynamic performance of rotors in a quadrotor system. These studies will also seek to uncover the primary effects of near-boundary flight on rotor performance and hover efficiency, as well as the implications of the vehicle body on rotor and vehicle performance metrics. Ultimately, the goal is to provide insights that will extend mission range, improve vehicle controllability, and increase the overall efficiency of multirotor operations in complex environments.
Committee
- Dr. Juergen Rauleder – Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering (advisor)
- Dr. Marilyn J. Smith– Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering
- Dr. Brian German – Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering
- Dr. Matthew McCrink – Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University
- Dr. Christopher Cameron – Aerospace Engineer, U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center