Aerodynamics Made Easy - Drone CFD Analysis Explained | Step-by-Step Guide

Sample project: app.airshaper....
More information: www.airshaper.com or [e-mail]
In this video is a step by step explanation of how to use CFD simulations to analyze the aerodynamics of a drone. We used a public 3D model of the DJI Phantom, with some modifications (custom propellers).
--Setup--
The AirShaper platform was used to set up the simulation. The drone is pitched forward and a rotational speed has been added to the propellers.
--Results--
- Pressure clouds (iso-surface for the total pressure coefficient of 0):
These illustrate where energy losses are high. This highlights the drag caused by the landing gear, the camera, slots in the airframe, ... and of course the propellers themselves.
- Pressure map: this one illustrates the pressure perpendicular to the surface. It clearly shows the pressure on the support arms in the wake of the propellers, the suction & pressure side of the blades, the stagnation pressure on the camera, ...
- Friction map: this one shows the magnitude of the friction force of the air flowing parallel to the surface. When low, this can indicate either stagnation of the flow (on the camera, ...) or separation of the flow. The surface streamlines indicate how the air moves across the surface.
- 3D streamlines: these show how the air flows around the airframe, the support beams, through the propeller area, etc.
- Noise: this is an estimation of the sources of wind noise. As this is a steady stage RANS simulation, it is just an approximation based on the turbulent kinetic energy.
- Elements: the flow lines through the propellers are visualized. Also, the torque, power and thrust on the propellers can be analyzed by integrating the pressure & friction forces across their surface.
- Forces: the forces on each individual element are calculated.

[@eprohoda]

Airshaper! insane footage.

[@AirShaper]

Thanks a lot!

[@pathfinder.george]

For all the Startups here - investors quite enjoyed the 50 page pdf of our concept vehicle, adding credibility and viability to our concept.

[@AirShaper]

Thanks a lot, that's great feedback!

[@rjung_ch]

This simulation you have is great, so happy to see how many are using it and I wish you continued success!
Thanks for the science you present. 👍💪✌

[@AirShaper]

Thank you very much!

[@benyhalfina5733]

excellent presentation. thank you

[@AirShaper]

Thank you

[@rootsquared383]

Thanks for the excellent video!
I assume this was an example of the output from the advanced simulation? Does the basic option give any force and moment data? I'd like to do a quick stability check for a model I'm working on

[@AirShaper]

This one was a Regular simulation (you can find the link to the sample simulation in the comments). The Basic simulation includes forces and moments, but doesn't include propellers. So it can be used to analyse the airframe itself for example.
Just drop me a message at [e-mail] to help you set up your simulation if you like!

[@PDWhite]

Its just hard to run the multiple simulations comparing different design needed to get any useful data. At the price point it is currently.
We understand there is server cost and such and dont mind paying but would be great if you could find a way to get cost down we would love to try it.

[@AirShaper]

We have annual plans which bring down the cost per simulation drastically! Feel free to contact me at [e-mail] for more info 🙂

[@PaulinKantue]

Really cool but the pricing is not scalable imho.

[@AirShaper]

Thanks!
You can bring down the cost a lot if you go to the annual credit plans: airshaper.com/pricing
Just let me know at [e-mail] if you have questions on this!