MODELING FORWARD FLIGHT PERFORMANCE OF QUAD-COPTERS WITH MOMENTUM THEORY

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Authors
Flaherty, Brian P.
Subjects
actuator disk theory
momentum theory
cruise flight
quadcopter
Aqua-Quad
computational modeling
rotor interference
UAS
unmanned aerial system
drone
computational fluid dynamics
CFX
Advisors
Jones, Kevin D.
Date of Issue
2024-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
This thesis aims to develop a computational model in MATLAB for the forward flight of a small quad rotor drone using momentum theory to inform the design of the U.S. Navy's Aqua-Quad. An accurate, computationally efficient model is necessary to understand the mission capability of the platform and suggest how it might be employed most effectively. The Aqua-Quad unmanned aerial system (UAS) is solar powered and therefore has a tight energy budget. The two primary outputs of the model are which pitch angle is necessary to achieve a desired cruise speed and what the power required is to maintain that speed. Drag and lift coefficients were calculated both numerically through computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experimentally. The model uses these values to conduct a force balance and calculate the angle of attack. Flow interaction between the rotors results in greater power required for the rear rotors to generate the same thrust as the front rotors, reducing the efficiency of the platform. This model enables rapid analysis of new quad rotor designs and flight profiles.
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Thesis
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https://hdl.handle.net/10945/73114
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Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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