Airflow Behavior of Quadcopter Fertiliser Drone for Pineapple Plantation by Using CFD

Abstract

UAV can efficiently complete fertilisation operations, regardless of the geographic factor, without the need for dedicated landing sites. The effective coverage and velocity of downwash are directly related to the assemblage of the spraying system and the spraying effect. However, the unclearness of the airflow field leads to a severe droplet drift problem. In this study, the simulation on airflow behaviour by using the CFD method is done for optimisation of sprayer efficiency by analysed the current designation of sprayer system and proposed an appropriate range for nozzle working position. The transient analysis simulation is done with the SST k-w turbulence model using Ansys Fluent Software to observe and analyse airflow vector, velocity contour, and downwash velocity.  Simulation results show inward curve flow at an area 1.5 meters below the rotor and  high-velocity regions spotted at 1.0 meters below the rotor at the central region and 0.6 meters vertically below the rotor. The working height is suggested to be 1.06 meters below the rotor with nozzle spacing of 0.9 meters for each side and 0.7 meters from the centre. The working position is at the central area between sets of rotors.