Water circulation measurements under a hovering drone

Experiments were conducted in a water flume located at Coastal Carolina University filled to a depth of 36 cm. A drone was secured across the top of the flume at 20 cm above this water line. The drone was operated, and the max air flow speed over an approximately 30 s period was recorded for several drone operational speeds. Nominal air flow speeds of 5 m/s, 7.5 m/s, and 10 m/s were studied – exact max air flow speeds for each case are reported in the publication (see included metadata for citation). Water flow measurements were performed using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) flow measurement technique along the center of the water channel, imaging 2D flow velocities (u, v) in the along-channel (x) and vertical directions (y). The measurements were either directly under the body of the drone or directly under one of the drone blades/rotors. Coordinate system is referenced to drone center bottom.