Dynamic Numerical Studies of a Rotorcraft Entering and Exiting Rectangular Tunnel

In recent years, the utilization of multi-rotor drones has seen a steady rise. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have found diverse applications, including aerial photography, transportation, military operations, and agriculture. The advent of these compact flying machines offers humanity a range of convenient and versatile choices across various sectors. Although unmanned aerial vehicles hold significant practical value, their stable flight is contingent on favorable weather conditions. Consequently, it becomes crucial to investigate the influence of environmental airflow on aircraft stability. This is particularly important for small machines like rotary-wing aircraft operating in confined spaces, where understanding the aerodynamic effects of the flow field is crucial to avert potential crashes. This study delves into the variations in the flow field during the entry and exit of a single rotor into a tunnel. Utilizing dynamic simulations, it examines how tunnels impact the rotor’s flow field and analyzes thrust curves to understand dynamic rotor behavior. The study also explores the effect of vortex generation on the rotor and employs a simple square tunnel to assess how tunnel size and flight speed influence the rotor’s flow field during flight. The findings hold potential as reference points to enhance flight stability during tunnel flights.