<p>Propellers are devices that help convert rotational energy to thrust. The need for improved aerodynamic performance, noise reduction, and flight stability drives the implementation of tubercles on drone propeller blades. Inspired by the leading-edge bumps on humpback whale flippers, tubercles help delay flow separation, reduce drag, and enhance lift, resulting in greater thrust efficiency. They also smooth out turbulent airflow, significantly reducing noise and vibrations. This research presents an optimized design methodology for propellers through the implementation of leading-edge tubercles. The study explores the aerodynamic benefits of biomimetic modifications, focusing on improving efficiency. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the performance of conventional propeller designs against those modified with sinusoidal tubercles of varying amplitudes and wavelengths. The optimized design demonstrated significant improvements in thrust generation and overall propulsion efficiency, alongside a notable reduction in flow separation. These findings suggest that tubercle-modified propellers offer a promising approach to enhancing propulsion systems.</p>

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Investigation of flow separation control and performance enhancement with leading-edge tubercle on propeller blades

  • Mayuri R. Gore,
  • Ganapati N. Joshi

摘要

Propellers are devices that help convert rotational energy to thrust. The need for improved aerodynamic performance, noise reduction, and flight stability drives the implementation of tubercles on drone propeller blades. Inspired by the leading-edge bumps on humpback whale flippers, tubercles help delay flow separation, reduce drag, and enhance lift, resulting in greater thrust efficiency. They also smooth out turbulent airflow, significantly reducing noise and vibrations. This research presents an optimized design methodology for propellers through the implementation of leading-edge tubercles. The study explores the aerodynamic benefits of biomimetic modifications, focusing on improving efficiency. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the performance of conventional propeller designs against those modified with sinusoidal tubercles of varying amplitudes and wavelengths. The optimized design demonstrated significant improvements in thrust generation and overall propulsion efficiency, alongside a notable reduction in flow separation. These findings suggest that tubercle-modified propellers offer a promising approach to enhancing propulsion systems.