Supercomputing Drone Aerodynamics

In this video, researchers at NASA Ames explore the aerodynamics of a popular example of a small, battery-powered drone, a modified DJI Phantom 3 quadcopter. "The Phantom relies on four whirring rotors to generate enough thrust to lift it and any payload it's carrying off the ground. Simulations revealed the complex motions of air due to interactions between the vehicle's rotors and X-shaped frame during flight. As an experiment, researchers added four more rotors to the vehicle to study the effect on the quadcopter's performance. This configuration produced a nearly twofold increase in the amount of thrust."

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