CFD-aided optimization of a tactical Blended-Wing-Body UAV platform using the Taguchi method

Abstract

The current study presents the layout optimization of a tactical, fixed-wing UAV, during the early stages of the preliminary design. The reference platform is a Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) configuration, whose mission is the aerial delivery of cargo and lifesaving supplies. The optimization is conducted by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using the Taguchi experimental design method. The aspect ratio, taper ratio and sweep angle are defined as the key design parameters. An L9 orthogonal array is used to investigate the effect of those parameters on the maximum velocity, the takeoff runway and the gross takeoff weight, which serve as the performance criteria. The combinations that maximize the top speed, minimize the takeoff runway and the gross takeoff weight are extracted. Furthermore, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is carried out to assess the contribution of each design variable to the performance criteria.