ANALYTIC MODEL ABLE TO ASSIST IN PARAMETRIC DESIGN OF CYCLOIDAL ROTOR THRUSTERS

In this work we present in a unified way an analytic parametric design method for cycloidal rotors. The method allows for a fast identification of thrust, lift and power parameters as a function of the rotor geometries. Even if in recent years, the CFD based approaches have been able to provide adequate means to analyse this class of flow, the present model is useful to provide immediate guidelines in the preliminary stages of design, and also to be used as a tool to perform optimization of the cyclorotor. The cycloidal propeller, which can be described as a horizontal rotary wing, offers powerful thrust levels, and a unique ability to change the direction of that thrust almost instantly. The cycloidal propeller is the most efficient form of propeller conceived to date, and was recognized as the solution to overcome propulsion deficiencies associated with airships and other special air vehicles. Several test cases are presented, for three different working regimes, showing the versatility of the developed analysis tool.