Performance Analysis of a Bi-modal Propeller in Water and Air

This paper investigates performance of a propeller geometry capable of operating in air and water for bi-modal UAS applications. A parametric propeller model was developed, and the performance analysed using ANSYS Fluent. The Potsdam Propeller Test Case was used as a benchmark for validation. Six different propeller geometries were simulated in air and water, and results of thrust, torque, as well as efficiency were analysed and compared. The results showed that a propeller with desired performance in both air and water can be selected. Analysis was also conducted on the existence of cavitation during underwater operations. Since the analysis was conducted for one given operating condition for air and water only, additional conditions and more variables will need to be considered to determine the best propeller geometry and power required to ensure optimal bi-modal UAS performance.