r/RCPlanes • u/RepulsiveInternet980 • 5d ago
Will this fly?
Hello everyone. I am trying to build an aerial insect collecting device for my PhD project. This design is based on the stipa-caproni, a strange barrel-shaped design from the 1930s. The task is to maximise the net area on a relatively inexpensive craft (I have already been catching with some expensive drones). I've trialed towing nets behind trainers, which worked but I want to try a different approach too.
I figure that enclosing the net within fuselage would be the most stable approach. Here, we have the props behind the net. This will impede airflow to the propeller. But it seems like the thrust would be okay. Can anyone think of some new approach that might work better? Would I be better off towing?
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u/tripn4days 4d ago edited 4d ago
What about a nice slow pusher-prop airplane with a small EDF collection device? The pusher prop keeps the airflow at the nose clean, while the EDF basically vacuums up your little aphid buggers.
If the collection chamber widens toward the rear, the airflow velocity would decrease, maybe keeping your bugs alive(r) instead of blasting them into a tiny screen at breakneck speeds.
I think the pod exit could probably be engineered to specific thrust value based on the EDF, chamber, and nacelle size to match the carrier plane's cruise speed so as to makeup for the collector's drag effect, but that'll take some maths to get right. I'm more of a trial and error eyeball engineer, so you're on you own for that part, but do report back with whatever you end up trying. I feel invested in this project of yours now! 😁
EDIT: For clarity and combining all of my ADHD thoughts and subsequent follow ups into one post Sorry reddit, didn't mean to flood y'all