Flow Structure around a Multicopter Drone: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis for Sensor Placement Considerations

This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based approach to determine the optimal positioning for an atmospheric turbulence sensor on rotary-wing uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) with X8 configuration. The vertical (zBF) and horizontal (xBF) distances of UAV center reduce effect propeller-induced flow are investigated by CFD simulations k−ϵ model actuator disc theory. To ensure realistic geometric design simulations, tilt angles test in flight were measured flying drone along fixed pattern at different constant ground speeds. Based those measurement results, corresponding geometry domain was generated simulations. Specific emphasis given mesh construction followed sensitivity resolution find compromise between acceptable simulation accuracy available resources. final (twelve total) performed four inflow conditions (2.5 m s−1, 5 7.5 s−1 10 s−1) three payload configurations (15 kg, 20 kg 25 kg) UAV. results depend inflows show that most efficient way influence is mounting upwind, pointing incoming direction xBF varying 0.46 1.66 D, under mean plane rotors zBF 0.01 0.7 D. Finally, then applied possible real-case scenario Foxtech D130 carrying CSAT3B ultrasonic anemometer, aims sample wind flows higher than s−1. authors propose xBF=1.7 zBF=20 cm below rotor as feasible reduction safety. These will be used improve novel drone-based system, which combine accurate measurements research-grade anemometer high mobility flexibility UAVs carriers.