Enhanced Thrust Performance of Quadcopter Toroidal Propellers: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis

Quadcopters rely on propeller thrust to maintain flight stability and payload capacity. Conventional propellers exhibit several limitations, including high noise levels, suboptimal thrust efficiency, and restricted payload capabilities. These drawbacks have spurred interest in exploring alternative propeller designs to improve drone performance. This study focuses on the design, analysis, and evaluation of toroidal propellers, a novel geometry characterized by interconnected looped blades, to address these challenges. Using a comprehensive computational approach, a 3D CAD model of the toroidal propeller was developed in Solid Works and analyzed through ANSYS Fluent, leveraging the k-ε turbulence model for precision. Key performance metrics such as thrust coefficient and payload capacity were examined across angular speeds ranging from 6000 to 10000 RPM. The results demonstrate a 42.3% increase in thrust coefficient and a 46.2% improvement in payload capacity compared to conventional propellers, showcasing the superior aerodynamic efficiency and lifting capacity of the toroidal design. Furthermore, the novel geometry significantly reduces noise and vibration, making it suitable for applications in urban environments where noise pollution is a concern. This research underscores the potential of toroidal propellers to revolutionize UAV performance, providing a robust foundation for advanced aerial applications, including delivery systems, surveillance, and precision agriculture.