• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.34-42
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• 2012

This paper discusses the mathematical modeling of a small scale ducted-fan UAV and examines its results in comparison to the wind tunnel test. A wind tunnel test is first performed, producing a substantial amount of test data. The acquired set of wind tunnel test data is then categorized and approximated as mathematical functions. Finally, the mathematically modeled forces and moments acting on the UAV are compared with the acquired wind tunnel data. The analysis involves a gradient-based algorithm and is applied to extract trim states with respect to various flight conditions. Consequently, a numerical analysis demonstrates that there exists a reasonable flight status with respect to airspeed.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2022

Wind tunnel test for a small scale electric ducted fan with a 104mm diameter was conducted to analyze the aerodynamic characteristics when it was used as a propulsion system of tilt-propeller UAV. Experimental conditions were derived from flight conditions of a sub-scaled OPPAV. Forces and moments of the ducted fan model were measured by a 6-axis balance and 3-dimensional wake vectors which could induce an aerodynamic influence in the vehicle were measured by 5-hole probes. Thrust and torque on hover and cruise conditions were measured and analyzed to drive out the operating conditions when it was applied in the sub-scaled OPPAV. On transition conditions, thrust keep its value with tilt angle variation below 40° and increase after that. But, sideforce increase constantly until 75°. The maximum axial velocity in the wake on hover and cruise conditions was around 60m/s and tangential velocity was around 12m/s. The position of the maximum axial velocity and vortex center move off the fan rotation center line as the tilt angle increases.