Wind Tunnel Testing of a UAV Propeller

Sammanfattning

This project aims to provide performance data for the motor + propeller used in the C-3 (Combat Climate Change) collaboration between KTH and EAFIT using wind tunnel testing. The project involves computer assisted design of components, electrical integration, experiment planning, and data analysis. A testing rig consisting of a motor-balance adapter mounted to a sting was set up in the KTH L2000 wind tunnel, where the motor + propeller were tested at 0° angle of attack with 0, 15, 20, and 25 m/s freestream velocity at different motor power levels. The 6-axis balance telemetry data was converted into measurements thrust and torque. These were further used to generate coefficients of power and thrust. The results show that propeller efficiency increases with higher power settings, peaking around 15 to 20 m/s freestream velocity. Additionally, thrust significantly exceeds drag up to 25 m/s, but the UAV may face difficulty accelerating far beyond this speed. Further testing using propellers mounted downwind of a fuselage, at speeds exceeding 25 m/s, and at different angles of attack, is needed