Ducted Fan VTOL UAV Simulation in Preliminary Design

Abstract

This paper focus on how to simulate a dynamic model of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in hovering, vertical climb and horizontal flight. Based on unique aerodynamic characteristics from CFD calculation, wind tunnel testing and theoretical method the flight dynamics of ducted fan UAV is able to be modeled and simulated accurately. MATLAB/Simulink V-Realm Builder is a design and modeling software tool for air vehicles that is capable of modeling the performance and flight dynamics in visualize environment. To fulfill real-time flight simulation of UAV, not only dynamic model should be applied to optimize, but control law also has to be designed to ensure the dynamic model controllable and give a good flight mission and performance. Nomenclature V = velocity of free flow e V = velocity of exhaust flow from ducted fan ρ = density of air e A = area of duct’s exit β α, = angle of attack and sideslip angle p s p s . . ,β α