A Study on the Scale Effect According to the Reynolds Number in Propeller Flow Analysis and a Model Experiment

The demand for new propeller designs has increased alongside the development of technology, such as urban aircraft and large unmanned aerial vehicles. In order to experimentally identify performance a propeller, wind tunnel that provides operating flow is essential. However, in case meter class or larger required related equipment becomes heavy; therefore, it difficult implement reality. For this reason, studies have been conducted via reduced models. case, necessary investigate different outputs between full- model-scale propellers due size difference. current study, method proposed difference aerodynamic caused by scale using VLM RANS calculations, differences are analyzed. test also verified prediction method. boundary independent Reynolds number could be predicted through based on ideal fluid assumption. From was possible present when same geometry with ratios were operated numbers. It confirmed each numerical matched well results range advance ratio produced maximum efficiency, from results, observe change differed according change.