Enhancement of aerodynamic efficiency in a commercial propeller through bio-inspired blade design

Enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of commercial multi-rotor propellers can be accomplished by implementing creative designs influenced by the wing structures of different insects. The present research examines the feasibility of using insect-inspired propellers in missions, with a particular focus on studying their aerodynamic performance in four main areas: flight time, rotational speed, mechanical power and propeller efficiency. This study draws inspiration from the wing forms of six insect species: Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Mantodea, Odonata and Hymenoptera to enhance DJI Phantom-3 propeller performance requirements. Numerical simulations were performed to assess performance utilizing the moving reference frame approach (Multiple Reference Frame) and the SST [Formula: see text] turbulence model. The evaluations were focused on hover circumstances at rotational speeds between 4000 and 8000[Formula: see text]rpm. There is a notable agreement between the numerical simulation and experimental findings. The results clearly showed that the propellers inspired by insects exhibit enhanced performance in specified missions. The Hemiptera propeller showed improved performance by decreasing the rotational speed at hovering conditions. It demonstrated a 9.8% increase in flight time and rotated 13.36% slower than the DJI Phantom-3 propeller at hovering condition, with no additional weight. Ultimately, the wing planforms inspired by insects have significant potential to improve the aerodynamic performance of small multi-rotor rotors. This study’s findings provide vital insights into how creative designs can surpass typical propeller configurations in terms of flight time and rotational speed.