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Parametric modeling for aerodynamic assessment of a fixed wing UAV implemented for site specific management

Abstract:

The aerodynamic characterization of a UAV during preliminary design brings several challenges, such as: suitable aerodynamic models for low Reynolds numbers and versatile assessment tools which can adapt to conventional and unconventional configurations. The lack of detailed geometries at preliminary design stage and the amount of configurations to be tested require tools that demand low computational power which can capture main trends of aerodynamic performance. This work seeks to develop a versatile and adaptable method to assess the aerodynamic performance of UAVs based on parametric and semiempirical models in the open domain. Since the characterization of empennage is directly linked to longitudinal stability, this latter has been utilized as check condition to assess proper designs. For the lift calculation, the classical Lifting Line Theory and Vortex Lattice Method were applied, whereas that the aircraft drag coefficient was estimated based on semi-empirical relations that were initially developed for civil aviation. The study case was evaluated in the Andean Region for site-specific monitoring applications at cruise condition. Then a sensitivity analysis based on operating conditions and geometrical features was carried out using this baseline concept. In order to calibrate the model, CFD simulations over the wing were developed using the commercial software Ansys Fluent.