Aerodynamic Investigation of Smart Flying Wing MAV

Abstract

Abstract : The objectives of the present research include development of a suitable CFD solver for solving incompressible flow past airfoils suitable for flying wing micro air vehicle (MAV) design. Suitable airfoils would have to be selected for the purpose. This would be followed by development of a structural analysis solver that would structurally model the airfoil and integrate this solver with the flow solver in order to perform the fluid structure interaction studies for flexible airfoils. Compute flow past selected flexible airfoils and compare their aerodynamic and structural performance with corresponding rigid airfoils. Implementation of smart concept in the structure solver in order to improve the flexible airfoil performance. Perform the fluid structure interaction studies by incorporating smart active layer and explore whether such an embedded layer can improve the aerodynamic and/or structural behavior of the flexible airfoil. The studies are to be performed over a moderate range of Reynolds number and a fairly wide range of angles of attack to cover a reasonably wide variety of flow conditions. The scope of the project also includes flow solution past three dimensional finite wings with some optimization of the wing platform.