Design tools have been developed for ultra-low Reynolds number rotors, combining enhanced actuator-ring / blade-element theory with airfoil section data based on two-dimensional Navier-Stokes calculations. This performance prediction method is coupled with an optimizer for both design and analysis applications. Performance predictions from these tools have been compared with three-dimensional Navier Stokes analyses and experimental data for a 2.5 cm diameter rotor with chord Reynolds numbers below 10,000. Comparisons among the analyses and experimental data show reasonable agreement both in the global thrust and power required, but the spanwise distributions of these quantities exhibit significant deviations. The study also reveals that three-dimensional and rotational effects significantly change local airfoil section performance. The magnitude of this issue, unique to this operating regime, may limit the applicability of blade-element type methods for detailed rotor design at ultra-low Reynolds numbers, but these methods are still useful for evaluating concept feasibility and rapidly generating initial designs for further analysis and optimization using more advanced tools.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Analysis and Design of Rotors at Ultra-Low Reynolds Numbers


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    AIAA 40th Aerospace Sciences Meeting ; 2003 ; Reno, NV, United States


    Publication date :

    2003-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :



    Understanding Unsteady Aerodynamics of Cycloidal Rotors in Hover at Ultra-low Reynolds Numbers

    Walther, Carolyn M. / Coleman, David / Benedict, Moble | AIAA | 2018




    Understanding Unsteady Aerodynamics of Cycloidal Rotors in Hover at Ultra-low Reynolds Numbers (AIAA 2018-0080)

    Walther, Carolyn M. / Coleman, David / Benedict, Moble | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2018