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Advanced Simulation Module: Propeller CFD Tutorial

Getting Started​

To start the Propeller CFD Analysis, go to the Dashboard and create a new project.

Accessing the Dashboard​

Click the user icon in the top right corner and select Dashboard from the dropdown menu.

User Dashboard

From the Dashboard, click New Project to initiate the design and simulation workflow.

Step 1: Selecting the Drone Type​

The first step in the wizard is selecting the drone type that best suits your design.

  • Multi Rotor: Versatile with multiple propellers for precise control.
  • Single Rotor: Powerful, efficient, ideal for extended operations.
  • Fixed Wing: Optimized for long-range stability and efficiency.
  • Hybrid VTOL: Combines vertical takeoff with fixed-wing efficiency.

Drone Type Selection

Select the desired drone type and click Next to proceed.

Step 2: Defining the Drone Usage​

Next, define the primary usage scenario for the drone to tailor the simulation accordingly.

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

Drone Usage Selection

Choose the relevant usage case and click Next to continue.

Step 3: Selecting the Simulation Type​

In this step, choose the type of simulation to run. Since this tutorial focuses on Propeller CFD, select Fluid Dynamics.

  • Structural Analysis: Evaluates drone frame integrity and durability.
  • Fluid Dynamics: Simulates aerodynamic performance for optimal flight efficiency.

Simulation Type Selection

Click Next after selecting the Fluid Dynamics option.

Step 4: Integrating Components​

At this stage, the workflow will guide you through integrating necessary drone components, ensuring compatibility before running the simulation.

Component Integration

Step 5: Selecting the Testing Part​

In this step, define the part of the drone that will undergo aerodynamic analysis.

  • Drone Propeller: Simulates the aerodynamics and loading characteristics of the propeller.
  • Drone Wing: Focuses on wing aerodynamics and structural behavior in various conditions.

Testing Part Selection

Click Next to proceed with the propeller CFD workflow.

Creating a New Project​

Define your project settings by entering a Project Title and Description, then click Start a New Project.

New Project Settings

Step 6: Propeller Design Workflow​

The workflow panel will now guide you through the design and analysis steps. The first step is to create the propeller geometry.

Propeller Workflow

Step 7: Designing the Propeller Structure​

Define the root, middle, and side sections of the propeller by adjusting the geometric parameters.

Propeller Design - Root, Middle, Side Sections

Switch to the Rotation Axis tab to define the rotational properties of the propeller.

Propeller Design - Rotation Axis

Click Create to finalize the propeller geometry.

Step 8: Completing Propeller CAD​

Once the propeller design is finalized, the CAD model will be generated.

Propeller CAD Done

Step 9: Defining the Fluid Region​

Set up the inner fluid region for CFD analysis by specifying the relevant parameters.

Inner Fluid Region

Then, configure the outer fluid region to extend the computational domain.

Outer Fluid Region

Once both regions are defined, finalize the fluid domain.

Fluid Region Finalized

Step 10: Configuring Simulation Settings​

Set the wind speed, RPM, and simulation accuracy to specify the operating conditions.

Simulation Settings

Step 11: Generating Mesh​

Create the computational mesh for the simulation.

Meshing Process

Once meshing is complete, review the final mesh quality.

Meshing Completed

Step 12: Running the Simulation​

Choose the number of CPU cores and initiate the simulation.

Run Simulation

Monitor the progress of the simulation execution.

Simulation Progress

Final Steps​

Once the simulation completes, analyze the results to evaluate the aerodynamic performance of the propeller. Proceed to visualization and data interpretation for further insights.