Assessing Non-Planar Slicing and Carbon Fibre Filament Additives as Steps Towards 3D-Printed Drone Propellers

Propeller design dramatically influences the performance of a drone and its ability to complete a mission. Operators in the field cannot carry the best propeller for any possible conditions, but with the advent of capable end-user 3D printers, may be able to manufacture them. This research assesses how non-planar model slicing and short-chopped carbon-fibre additives affect the mechanical performance of printed parts and viability of printed propellers. Creep testing simulating propeller thrust loading found coupons varied greatly in time to failure, although benefits of carbon-fibre additives were detected. Drop tests assessed impact behaviour, finding no link between material or slicing style and performance for a realistic propeller geometry. Simpler geometry resulted in both factors affecting performance, indicating possible benefits when applied in suitable situations. Results can be used to make informed selections of material and slicing type, also guiding future attempts at 3D-printing propellers.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering, Aerospace

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Palmer, Matthew

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2022 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, research, scholarship, and teaching. Theses may only be shared by linking to Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be used without proper attribution to the author. No part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2022-15285

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/41723