Title: PSO algorithm parameter settings and optimal multi-rotor layout design

Authors: Yuke Huang; Tatsuya Watanabe; Mai Bando; Shinji Hokamoto

Addresses: Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan ' Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan ' Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan ' Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan

Abstract: In the design of multi-rotor vehicles, it is very important to predesign the overall rotor layout from the perspectives of fluid dynamics, flight dynamics and control performance. However, there is currently no unified guiding principle. This paper discusses the parameter configuration of particle swarm optimisation (PSO) and optimal layout design of multi-rotor vehicles through PSO. First, a rotor dynamics model based on the blade element momentum theory is introduced. Next, the proper parameter settings of the PSO algorithm are discussed, mainly considering particle number and iteration number. Finally, by using the PSO algorithm, some results of proper multi-rotor layouts are shown according to different rotor numbers, take-off weights, blade numbers and rotor angles. The results show that the method proposed in this paper can be applied as a guideline for the layout design of multi-rotor vehicles.

Keywords: particle swarm optimisation; PSO; parameter setting; multi-rotor vehicle; optimal layout design; guiding principle; blade element momentum theory; BEMT; particle number; iteration number; blade.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2022.122324

International Journal of Sustainable Aviation, 2022 Vol.8 No.2, pp.116 - 135

Received: 15 Sep 2021
Accepted: 13 Dec 2021

Published online: 19 Apr 2022 *

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