Aerodynamic Performance Characterization of UAV Propellers via Blade Element Momentum Theory including Post-Stall Behaviour
Marco LUCARINI, Gianpietro DI RITO, Simone CAMARRI, Marco NARDESCHI
Abstract. This work deals with the development of a numerical code for the evaluation of aerodynamic performance of UAV propellers combining the Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) with empirical corrections for the extension to the post-stall behaviour of blade sections. The formulation also takes into account low-Reynolds effects and starts from the aerodynamic data of blade airfoils in 2D flow. The results of the developed model are verified against manufacturer database for two types of fixed-pitch propellers, over a wide range of advance ratio, aiming to cover the flow conditions related to hovering and cruise phases of a reference VTOL UAV. The results stability is demonstrated by a discretization convergence analysis, assessing the influence of sectional resolution on blades. Owing to the fast convergence of the solver, the proposed approach is expected to be effectively employed as a starting point of propeller design optimization loops.
Keywords
BEMT, Propellers, Post-Stall Modelling, Rotorcraft Design, Sustainable Propulsion, UAM, Aerodynamics
Published online 7/20/2026, 6 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Marco LUCARINI, Gianpietro DI RITO, Simone CAMARRI, Marco NARDESCHI, Aerodynamic Performance Characterization of UAV Propellers via Blade Element Momentum Theory including Post-Stall Behaviour, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 69, pp 827-832, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904251-146
The article was published as article 146 of the book CEAS – AIDAA Conference 2025
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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