Hardware Research 1
Many consumer off-the-shelf electric ducted fan modules exist for use in hobbyist aircraft and similar projects. These come in various common formfactors: 50mm, 70mm, 90mm, 105mm and 120mm.
These modules consist of a brushless motor, propeller/impeller and an enclosure, and are pre-balenced for safety and efficiency at high rates of rotation. Being designed for model aircraft, they are often made from lightweight materials such as carbon fibre, nylon and fibreglass.
Module prices vary from less than £20 all the way to £300 or more for premium models, with the above module being £33.00 at time of writing.
These modules produce varying amounts of thrust, with larger diameters capable of producing higher amounts. This 70mm module has a thrust rating of 1.810kg thrust-equivalent (17.75N)
They are often controlled by connecting them to a standard Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) that allows the speed of the motor and therefore the thrust output to be adjusted. As part of my project, I will need to calculate how adjusting the speed of the motor impacts the thrust produced and then work out how to use those calculations to automatically produce the desired movements.