Design and Multi-Perspective Investigations on Aeroacoustic Noise Reduction Technologies for Anti-Drone Propeller

Abstract The increasing use of drones in military and defence applications require stealth technology to reduce noise generated by the propeller, which can compromise the drone’s mission. Noise reduction techniques have been developed to address this issue. In this regard, a unique forward speed based drone propeller has been designed. One approach is implementation of optimized sawtooth serrations can be used to reduce noise generated by propellers. The use of serrations on the trailing edge of propeller blades will reduce the noise generated by creating a series of miniature vortices along the trailing edge of the propeller blade, which decrease the intensity of the blade tip vortices and change the frequency of the blade noise. By adjusting the blade angle, the propeller can be optimized to operate at a lower tip speed, reducing noise generated by the blade passing through the air. Numerical simulations using CFD and experimental studies have shown that noise reduction methods in propeller blades can lead to significant reductions in noise, with noise reductions of up to reasonable decibels. According to the calculated model and methods, the most important details are that there are several techniques that can be used to reduce the noise generated by propellers used in defence drones. The combination of these techniques into the design, it is possible to build a stealth drone with a reduced acoustic signature, improved performance, and enhanced mission capabilities for the Anti-Drones to monitor the border areas and counter attack the enemy drones by stealth technology. Through ANSYS Workbench tool, the structural characteristics and aero-acoustics investigations are carried out on this propeller. Through multi-objective investigations, the fine-tuned propeller is shortlisted for hybrid UAV.