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Modeling of Ground Effect Benefits for Multi-Rotor Small Unmanned Aerial Systems at Hover

Eberhart, Gina M.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1502802483367365

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Mechanical Engineering (Engineering and Technology).
Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) are gaining prevalence in both the public and private sectors. A proximity induced phenomenon that produces aerodynamic perturbations as a result of increased thrust production called Ground Effect (GE) poses a challenge to stable flight for aircraft flying close to the ground. GE has been previously examined for full-scale manned helicopters, but the effect upon multi-rotor Vertical Take-Off and Landing sUAS requires further investigation. Existing aerodynamic analysis methods such as Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) have not considered GE. A Ground Effect modified BEMT power prediction method based around the modification of coefficient of thrust was developed herein. Thrust data for a multi-rotor sUAS propeller within GE at select power settings and distances was collected for comparison with the results of the GE BEMT thrust prediction developed. The thrust prediction method was adapted to model power requirements for multi-rotor sUAS at hover within GE. Finally, flight testing of a multi-rotor sUAS was conducted to evaluate the results of the GE BEMT model. The GE BEMT thrust prediction method was found to predict thrust with an average difference of 2.3 percent from experimental thrust data. The experimental power requirement for the multi-rotor sUAS tested was reduced by more than 26 pecent within GE. The adaptable GE BEMT model developed was shown to predict power required for a multi-rotor sUAS vehicle at hover within GE.
Jay Wilhelm (Advisor)
106 p.
Aerospace Engineering; Fluid Dynamics; Mechanical Engineering
sUAS; Ground Effect; VTOL; Multi-Rotor; BEMT; Aerodynamics

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Eberhart, G. M. (2017). Modeling of Ground Effect Benefits for Multi-Rotor Small Unmanned Aerial Systems at Hover [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1502802483367365

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Eberhart, Gina. Modeling of Ground Effect Benefits for Multi-Rotor Small Unmanned Aerial Systems at Hover. 2017. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1502802483367365.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Eberhart, Gina. "Modeling of Ground Effect Benefits for Multi-Rotor Small Unmanned Aerial Systems at Hover." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1502802483367365

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.