I have a question, and I wonder if anyone knows the general assumptions regarding it.
What are the pros/cons of ducted fan blades For example, on a jetpack compared to traditional rotor blades, such as used on helicopters.
Ducted fans seem to be a lot smaller in general, but I've heard that they are less powerful. That said, their cowling helps to contain the thrust so it can have more control in that sense.
Do ducted fans generally 'push'? It seems that rotor blades generally 'cut the air' (downforce as a resultant) but the ducted fans force the air down instead of working off the pressure difference.
Ducted seems safer, as they're enclosed and more rigid (no drooping rotors) but provide less lift (possibly because it can't cut the air due to the cowling)
Does anyone have more experience on this? What sort of applications suit each design, and is there a general reason why one would choose ducted over rotors, and which is generally the 'best'?
Cheers