Aerodynamics Analysis of a Novel Multirotor Structure Derived from Generative Design Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
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This study investigates whether generative design structures can enhance the aerodynamic efficiency and payload capacity of multirotor UAVs compared with conventional stacked-rotor layouts. The methodology integrated structural generative design in Autodesk Fusion 360 and evaluated hover aerodynamics using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis in SimScale, employing a steady, pressure-based incompressible RANS solver and Multiple Reference Frame (MRF) zones to model hover at 4500 rpm. Three configurations were evaluated: a baseline “Initial Model” and two generative-design outcomes (Model 1 and Model 3). The results show that Model 1 provides negligible improvement, whereas Model 3 increases total thrust to 42.36 N, corresponding to a 9.6% gain relative to the initial configuration, and raises the system-average figure of merit by approximately 65%. Flow-field analyses indicate that Model 3 promotes cleaner inflow to the upper tier and a more coherent downwash, with reduced recirculation and interference-related losses. The novelty lies in coupling generative structural synthesis with CFD-based aerodynamic screening to demonstrate that frame geometry can actively enhance stacked-rotor hover performance.
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