Revisiting Froude’s Theory for Hovering Shrouded Rotor

This paper extends Froude’s momentum theory for free propellers to the analysis of shrouded rotors. A one-dimensional analytical approach is provided, and a homokinetic normal inlet surface model is proposed. Formulations of thrusts and power for each system component are derived, leading to the definition of optimum design criteria and providing insight into the global aerodynamics of shrouded rotors. In the context of micro-air vehicles applications, assessment of the model is conducted with respect to numerical data. Overall, comparison between numerical and analytical results shows good agreement and highlights the sensitivity of the model to viscous effects.