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Advanced Simulation Module: Custom Mode for Drone CFD Analysis

Getting Started​

To start the Custom CFD Analysis for a drone, navigate to the Dashboard and create a new project.

1. Creating a New Project​

Click on New Project to start setting up your custom simulation.

New Project

Step 1: Selecting the Drone Type​

First, select the type of drone for your CFD analysis.

  • Multi Rotor: A versatile with multiple propellers for precise control.
  • Single Rotor: An efficient single rotor system for extended operations.
  • Fixed Wing: Optimized for long-range stability and endurance.
  • Hybrid VTOL: Combines vertical takeoff with fixed-wing efficiency.

Drone Type Selection

Click Next to proceed.

Step 2: Defining the Drone Usage​

Next, define how the drone will be used to ensure accurate simulation results.

  • Photographic Use: Optimized for aerial imaging, surveillance, and mapping.
  • Delivery Purpose: Designed for efficient payload transport with autonomous navigation.
  • Military & Tactical: Specialized for reconnaissance and defense applications.

Drone Usage Selection

Click Next to continue.

Step 3: Selecting the Simulation Type​

Choose the type of simulation to run. For this tutorial, select Fluid Dynamics.

  • Structural Analysis: Tests drone frame integrity and durability.
  • Fluid Dynamics: Simulates aerodynamic performance for flight optimization.

Simulation Type Selection

Click Next to continue.

Step 4: Selecting the Testing Type​

For Custom Mode, select Integration Testing to evaluate the aerodynamic performance of the entire drone system.

  • Integration Testing: Complete system evaluation for overall flight performance.

Testing Type Selection

Click Next to proceed.

Step 5: Enabling Custom Simulation Mode​

Select Custom Settings to manually define simulation parameters.

Custom Mode Selection

Click Create a New Project to proceed.

Step 6: Setting Up Project Details​

Enter a Project Title and Description, then click Start a New Project.

Project Title

Step 7: Custom Simulation Workflow​

The workflow panel offers a step-by-step guide for setting up the custom CFD analysis.

Workflow Panel

Step 8: Importing CAD Model​

Import the drone geometry CAD file to begin the simulation process.

CAD Import

Step 9: Creating the Fluid Domain​

Define the fluid region around the drone to simulate airflow behavior.

Fluid Region Settings

Once the parameters are set, finalize the fluid domain setup.

Fluid Region Created

Step 10-11: Configuring Simulation Settings & Generating Mesh​

Set the wind speed, direction, and accuracy based on the predefined fluid region settings. The wind direction is automatically inherited from the fluid region configuration. Higher Simulation Accuracy increases the mesh density, improving result precision.

Simulation Settings

Generate the computational mesh to refine simulation accuracy.

Mesh Generation

Step 12: Running the Simulation​

Select the number of CPU cores and start the simulation.

Run Simulation

Monitor the progress as the simulation executes.

Simulation Progress

Step 13: Visualizing Results​

Analyze the velocity field, pressure distribution, turbulence characteristics, and aerodynamic behavior.

Result Visualization

View detailed result data and parameter settings.

Result Data

Enable streamlines to visualize the airflow over the drone. Users can freely choose between Sphere or Line streamline modes. This option becomes available when selecting Velocity in the results tree on the left panel.

Streamline Analysis

Final Steps​

Once the analysis is complete, extract insights from the CFD data, optimize the drone’s design, and refine aerodynamic efficiency for improved performance.