Advanced R&D Test: Propeller Configuration
Introduction
While the AEV runs, it must be propelled by some means. If these means include the use of propellers, there are several ways one can arrange the propellers. The purpose of this lab was to determine an energy efficient way to travel.
Procedure
During the test, the AEV started at the same position for each run and followed the same accelerating and powering pattern. We tested three different configurations, push, pull and push-pull. During each trial the AEV was run at 40% power until the AEV reached 200 marks (97.5 inches), and then the power to the motors was cut. we then recorded how far the AEV traveled.
Results
Below are the distance and power usage data collected after test running.
Table 1: Total Distance for push, pull and push-pull configurations
| Configuration | Trial 1 Distance (m) | Trial 2 Distance (m) | Trial 3 Distance (m) | Trial 4 Distance (m) |
| Push | 4.7301 | 4.8416 | 4.9401 | 4.7054 |
| Pull | 5.8817 | 5.8074 | 5.8941 | 5.7702 |
| Push-Pull | 5.4483 | 5.6217 | 5.5845 | 5.7455 |
Table 2: Power Usage for push, pull and push-pull configurations
| Configuration | Power of Trial 1 (J) | Power of Trial 2 (J) | Power of Trial 3 (J) | Power of Trial 4 (J) |
| Push | 55.2953 | 51.5285 | 54.2247 | 54.0134 |
| Pull | 41.9741 | 42.8674 | 41.8957 | 41.9934 |
| Push-Pull | 44.2462 | 45.0413 | 44.8002 | 44.8390 |
Figure 1: Power vs. Distance for push configuration
Figure 2: Power vs. Distance for push configuration
Figure 3: Power vs. Distance for push configuration
Data Analysis
On average the pull configuration was the most energy efficient and traveled the furthest distance. However the AEV must go backwards during its trip so it will have to use the pull configuration which had the worst energy usage, and the shortest distance. The Push-Pull configuration had comparable distance traveled and energy usage.
Conclusion
Considering the task of moving the AEV in both the forward and reverse direction, the group decided to use the Push-Pull Configuration.