In the rapidly evolving world of urban air mobility, researchers Yen-Chen Chen and Chih-Che Chueh from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan are tackling a critical challenge: the powerful airflow, or “outwash,” generated by electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Their recent study, published in the Journal of Aircraft, offers valuable insights for the energy and aviation industries as they work to integrate eVTOLs into urban environments.
The study focuses on the aerodynamic interactions between multiple rotors on eVTOL aircraft and how these interactions create jet-like outwash patterns. Using advanced computational fluid dynamics models, the researchers analyzed how different rotor configurations affect the intensity, direction, and spread of this outwash. They found that eVTOLs with fewer propellers and smaller distances between propellers generate more intense, directional outwash jets that can extend beyond current safety zones set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This poses potential safety risks for vertiports, the infrastructure that will support eVTOL operations in urban areas.
On the other hand, eVTOLs with more propellers and larger distances between propellers produce less intense outwash that spreads out more evenly. This configuration creates a thicker, more stratified boundary layer of airflow, which could help in designing safer vertiport layouts. The researchers also proposed practical engineering solutions, such as modular blast deflectors, which can be strategically placed to deflect outwash based on predicted patterns. These deflectors could significantly reduce the spatial requirements for vertiports by up to 82%, making them more feasible and cost-effective to implement in urban settings.
The findings of this study are crucial for the energy and aviation industries as they work towards integrating eVTOLs into urban air mobility systems. By understanding and mitigating the outwash effects, they can ensure safer and more efficient vertiport operations. The research also lays the groundwork for future studies on optimizing outwash mitigation devices, further advancing the field of urban air mobility.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.