High Efficiency Ceramic Propeller for Small UAS

The purpose of this program is to develop and demonstrate “CerFoil”, a radically new lightweight ceramic/composite propeller for use in small-unmanned air systems (SUAS). In the Phase I program, Hydronalix and Oklahoma State University team proved the concept of a high-strength high modulus propeller and tested the same showing potential for increased duration. The Hydronalix/OSU team will continue to design, fabricate, simulate, and test a new Scimitar type propeller design for quadcopters to radically increase aerodynamic efficiency through implementation of this new propeller design. The design is constructed of very lightweight high modulus ceramics and composites to provide a reduction in radiated noise compared to the state-of-the-art commercially available propellers. Multiple production approaches including additive manufacturing, gelcasting and ceramic component manufacturing method will be used to fabricate and test the propellers and the materials. They will also be simulated for performance and field tested in quadcopter drone platforms by OSU. Hydronalix will deliver 30 pairs/sets of prototypes for government testing. The application of this propeller design will improve quadcopter performance without any additional modification to the existing platform designs.