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JRM Vol.36 No.5 pp. 1010-1018
doi: 10.20965/jrm.2024.p1010
(2024)

Paper:

Effect of Bio-Inspired Cutout Shapes at the Leading Edge of Propellers on Noise and Flight Efficiency

Ryusuke Noda*1 ORCID Icon, Masaki Hirose*2, Teruaki Ikeda*3, Toshiyuki Nakata*4 ORCID Icon, and Hao Liu*4 ORCID Icon

*1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo University of Technology
1404-1 Katakuramachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan

*2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chiba University
1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba, Chiba 263-8522, Japan

*3Fundamental Research Section, Advanced Technology Department, Teral Inc.
230 Moriwake, Miyuki-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0003, Japan

*4Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University
1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba, Chiba 263-8522, Japan

Received:
April 19, 2024
Accepted:
September 1, 2024
Published:
October 20, 2024
Keywords:
drone, propeller, bio-inspired structure, noise, flight efficiency
Abstract

In recent years, the application of bio-inspired structures has garnered attention for enhancing the performance of fluid machinery. In this study, we experimentally investigated the effects of introducing a bio-inspired cutout structure to the propellers of drones, aiming to improve thrust efficiency and reduce noise levels. Our results demonstrated reductions in noise levels compared to conventional propellers. Parametric studies revealed that the roundness of the structure significantly influenced both flight efficiency and noise levels, suggesting its importance for replicating the inherent fluid characteristics found in nature. Additionally, optimal parameters for noise reduction, such as the length of the cutout, angle of incision relative to the flow direction, and the distance between the gap were identified. Although no improvements in flight efficiency were observed, most of the models investigated exhibited only around a 5% reduction in efficiency compared to the standard propellers, suggesting practical applicability for scenarios such as nighttime drone operations in urban areas. The noteworthy reduction in sound pressure levels in the mid- to high-frequency range achieved by the bio-inspired propellers in this study holds the potential to address the issue of drone noise pollution and encourage drone operations in urban areas. Moreover, the confirmed decrease in sound pressure at specific frequencies and the suggested controllability hint at the possibility of enhancing sound source localization performance using drones.

Examples of bio-inspired leading edges designed for noise reduction

Examples of bio-inspired leading edges designed for noise reduction

Cite this article as:
R. Noda, M. Hirose, T. Ikeda, T. Nakata, and H. Liu, “Effect of Bio-Inspired Cutout Shapes at the Leading Edge of Propellers on Noise and Flight Efficiency,” J. Robot. Mechatron., Vol.36 No.5, pp. 1010-1018, 2024.
Data files:
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