Investigating the Role of Surface Properties on the Ground Effect: An Experimental Study with a Small Propeller

Safe and efficient multirotor UAV operation during takeoff and landing is critically challenged by the ground effect, a phenomenon whose complexity is compounded in non-ideal environments. While existing aerodynamic models often assume ideal, rigid surfaces, this study investigates ground effect on three distinct surfaces representative of real-world settings: wooden (rigid), grassy (porous), and perforated (highly porous). Experiments were conducted using a ۱۰×۴.۵-inch propeller across H/D ratios (height/diameter) from ۰.۱ to ۲.۳۴ at rotational speeds of ۳۲۰۰, ۴۲۰۰, and ۵۲۰۰ RPM. Results reveal that the wooden surface aligns with classical theory, showing increasing TIGE/TOGE (in-ground-effect/out-of-ground-effect thrust) ratios as H/D decreases. In contrast, the grassy surface exhibited a ۲.۳۴% lower TIGE/TOGE ratio and an earlier exit from ground effect. Most notably, the perforated surface demonstrated a reversal of typical trends, with TIGE/TOGE declining as RPM increased, peaking at H/D=۱.۱۶ and dropping significantly below this threshold. These findings underscore the critical influence of surface porosity and texture on ground-effect dynamics, providing essential guidance for UAV control systems, landing site selection, and performance modeling in diverse operational environments, such as urban rooftops, grassy fields, and perforated decks.

کلیدواژه ها:

Small propeller ، Ground effect ، Thrust augmentation ، Surface porosity ، Perforated surface