This paper presents an application of a novel piezocomposite rotor system on a model-scale helicopter. The piezocomposite rotor concept can be implemented on various rotary systems, including small unmanned aerial vehicles, and tandem rotor, multi-rotor, single-rotor and other rotary systems. Based on authors’ previous research, a new design of the so-called solid-state rotor concept is implemented on a single degree of the freedom apparatus that the derived from the model-scale helicopter. An electromagnetic power generator is used to convert the mechanical energy due to the rotation of the generator into electrical energy, and this is used to actuate the piezocomposite blades. The actuation by the piezocomposite actuators on the rotor blade results in a change of the camber of the rotor blade. The change in camber generates an increase of thrust.


A Piezocomposite Actuated Propeller With an Onboard Power Generator

Division / Sponsors: 
Aerospace Division

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/SMASIS/SMASIS2020/volume/84027

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