Numerical and experimental analysis of the flow over an eVTOL concept

Abstract

Vehicles called eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles) promise to be the future of urban transport of people and products. Companies from different countries study and develop their own models, always prioritizing energy efficiency and aerodynamics. This work presents an analysis of some of the most promising concepts under development, as well as the proposal of a new layout based on the most advantageous characteristics of the existing models, followed by a numerical and experimental study of the flow around this new concept. Simulations are implemented using Navier-Stokes equations (RANS) in the Ansys software with the two-equation realizable k-ε turbulence model; the mesh is constructed of tetrahedral elements. The proposed layout was built in CAD software and scale printed in a 3D printer. The 1:27 scale model was placed in the wind tunnel, returning data regarding lift, drag and air pressure, which are later compared with the numerical results. The computational solution is prepared for the reduced model, at lower relative air speeds, around 20 meters per second, consistent with the flight of an eVTOL. The similarity of the numerical results with the experimental ones is discussed, obtaining a good level of coherence between the two test approaches. This work aims to serve as a reference for future analysis in the area of eVTOLs. Thus, a more detailed study of numerical setup (mesh and solver) and the application of other experimental routines is recommended. The investigation of the effects of changes in geometry, as well as the proposal of new designs and concepts, are suggested for the next steps.