Numerical investigation of Martian blades using various Airfoils

Due to the low Reynolds number compressible regime of the Martian atmosphere, the airfoil utilized to design the blade is of significant importance. The current study aims at evaluating the 2D performance of NACA 5605, Camber 4603 and DEP 4535-01 airfoils and the hovering performance of the blades built with these three airfoils using numerical analysis. The result has revealed that the type of airfoil for the blade design depends on the pitch angle at which the Figure of Merit reaches its peak. Prior to that pitch angle, which is 8deg, DEP 4535-01 airfoil is beneficial otherwise NACA 5605 is desirable. At the pitch angle of 8deg, the Figure of Merit of DEP 4535-01, NACA 5605 and Camber 4603 blades are 0.73, 0.71 and 0.70 respectively. Finally, the structural analysis is conducted on DEP 4535-01 blade to ensure the thickness distribution. The maximum stress and deformation are 393.15MPa and 485.54mm respectively and the minimum factory of safety is 1.12, which indicates the need of internal structures for the blade.