Experimental Optimization of MAVScale Cycloidal Rotor Performance
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This paper describes the systematic experimental studies performed to optimize the performance of a microscale cycloidal rotor. Parametric studies were conducted to determine the dependence of cycloidal rotor performance on rotational speed, blade pitching amplitude (symmetric and asymmetric pitching), blade airfoil profile, number of blades (at constant solidity), and the location of pitching axis. Higher blade pitch angles were found to improve the power loading (thrust/power) of the cycloidal rotor. Asymmetric pitching with a higher pitch angle at the top of the blade trajectory than at the bottom produced better power loading. The chordwise optimum pitching axis location was approximately 25-35% of the blade chord. For a constant solidity, the rotor with fewer number of blades produced higher thrust and the two-bladed rotor had the best power loading. A hover-capable quad-cyclocopter was designed and built to demonstrate the flightworthiness of the cycloidal rotor concept. 2011 The American Helicopter Society.