Analysis and Optimization of the Propeller Shape for a Stratospheric Drone Research Platform

Fix-wings small aircraft or drones, for flight, must be equipped with a source of thrust. In most cases, it will be propulsion systems including engine and propeller that generate the necessary thrust force. Regardless of whether the system includes an electric motor, combustion, or hydrogen engine of torque moment, the most important element of the system is the propeller. It is the element responsible for generating thrust, which is the force necessary for the flight in each of its stages. The article presents all stages of the analysis and optimization of the propeller for the considered highly flexible structure stratospheric drone. Analysis, after integration with CAD software, allows for the preparation of a comprehensive generative model. The basic propeller parameters were selected on the basis of flight altitude, considered structure, flight time, flight speed, the weight of the structure, assumed location of the engine and propeller. These assumptions made it possible to conduct a preliminary analysis of loads, propeller blade pressure distribution, thrust, and the total level of vibrations. The goal of the research is to develop a methodology of designing and preliminary analysis of propeller, which can be integrated into the generative model.