The Dual Impact of Winglets and Serrations on UAV Aerodynamic and Acoustic Performance

Abstract

The rising use of UAVs in various applications has underscored the critical challenge of noise pollution and aerodynamic efficiency. This study explores the dual integration of winglets and serrations on UAV propellers to address these challenges simultaneously. Through a purpose-built test rig and additive manufacturing techniques, the effects of various flaplet modifications—such as serration span, width, and spacing ratio—on the propeller’s aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance were evaluated. Results demonstrate simultaneous improvements to thrust and both tonal and broadband noise reduction in a frequency range covering 14 shaft orders. The greatest enhancements for each feature are dependent on the blade geometry. Improvements of up to 9.7% increase in thrust, a 2.7 dB decrease in low-frequency broadband noise, and a 9.1 dB decrease in certain tonal BPF components were achieved compared to the baseline design. This research demonstrates a low-cost empirical approach to UAV propeller design, offering insights into the parametric influences of serrations and winglets. It establishes a framework for the low-cost empirical advancement of UAV propeller technologies, illustrating the substantial gains in operational efficiency and environmental sustainability achievable through iterative design enhancements.