A new study suggests that a modernised version of Leonardo Da Vinci’s aerial screw design could lead to quieter and stealthier drones.
Drones produce a characteristic high-pitched buzz, and as their use expands, noise pollution is becoming a growing concern.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University simulated the aerodynamic forces and sound emissions of a modernized Da Vinci aerial screw design.
The simulations found that this design produced significantly less sound intensity and lower mechanical power consumption per unit lift compared to typical two-bladed rotors.
The spiral geometry of the Da Vinci design helps suppress blade-vortex interaction, a key contributor to rotor noise, highlighting its potential for noise-sensitive applications.