Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Airflow around a Propeller near a Wall

Abstract

Recently, multi-copters have been used in various areas, including outside and inside buildings. In the inside flight, airflow due to a wall or ceiling may affect multi-copters. This study aims to clarify the relationship between the airflow around the propeller and the force applied to the propeller near the wall using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis. This paper, first, briefly introduces the results of PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) analysis and force measured in the experiment with an actual propeller. Then, this paper demonstrates qualitative characteristics of the relationship between the airflow around the propeller and the force applied to the propeller by comparing the results of CFD analysis with those of actual experiments.