Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The objective of the proposed study is to develop a rotor design and analysis method that is suitable for small multirotor aerial vehicles, such as quadcopters. The subsequent method will result in rotor systems with improved flight performance, such as endurance or high-speed flight characteristics. Although multirotor aerial vehicles are often chosen as remote sensing platforms because of their relative ease to control at hover, control becomes complex during high-speed or maneuvering flight. The challenges of reliable flight controls is due to the nonlinear aerodynamic response typical for small scales and due to the interaction of the flow fields of several rotors in close proximity. The proposed approach is to extend an existing aerodynamic model of small-scale rotors. The existing approach will be extended using an advanced wake model that is currently in development for helicopter applications. In addition, the nonlinear small-scale aerodynamics are accounted for using a strip method. The development of the predictive method will benefit from experiments performed in the large low-speed wind tunnel at Ryerson University and an existing collaboration with Aeryon Labs, a Canadian company that is a world leader in small unmanned aerial systems. As part of the proposed research two MASc, one doctoral student and one postdoctoral fellow will receive training in the area of applied aerodynamics. The results will also benefit Aeryon Labs with superior design tools that will improve their product line. Small aerial systems represent a rapidly expanding market segment worldwide, in which Canadian companies, such as Aeryon, play an important role.