Measurement of DJI Phantom II Propeller-Motor Acoustic Spectra

Multicopter-type unmanned aerial vehicles (colloquially known as drones) have proliferated in the commercial and private sectors over the last decade. The increased presence of drones in urban areas has prompted research efforts to reduce drone induced noise pollution. Additional concerns about drone noise have been investigated regarding drone-based nature observation and conservation efforts, as drone noise can cause stress in wildlife. Due to these reasons, there has been an increased interest in investigating rotor/propeller noise on small scale drones. The paper Small UAV Acoustic Design, Analysis and Testing by Yang et al details a computational and experimental approach to investigate these aeroacoustic properties using a DJI Phantom II propeller and motor combination. The current project aims to replicate the experimental analysis conducted in the referenced paper using facilities within the NCSU MAE department. Results from this study will be used to assess the capabilities of these facilities, and improve experimental techniques for future aeroacoustics experiments.

Students

• Will Jordan