Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis and Experimental Validation of a 42×16.5 Propeller for Hovering eVTOL Applications

This study presents a comprehensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of a 42×16.5 propeller operating under hover conditions, relevant to single passenger electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The objective is to validate the CFD model against experimental thrust data at various rotational speeds. Using ANSYS Fluent, simulations were performed that incorporates Reynolds average Navier Stokes (RANS) equations with the SST k-ϵ turbulence model. The results show a strong correlation with the experimental data, with thrust prediction errors within 5-7%, thus affirming the reliability of the CFD approach to assess propeller performance in hover.