Lift, drag and pitching moment performances of different wing profiles for MAV wings

Abstract

The wing profile for Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) can be easily developed through the polynomial equation method which is proven in generating good aerodynamic performances. However, the study demands more studies in profile configurations to provide more evidence which interrelated with its aerodynamic performances. Thus, in this works, an aerodynamic study on different wing profiles configurations has been carried out. Profile 1, Profile 2 and Profile 3 were developed through the 3rd order polynomial equations have analyzed based on simulation works by using ANSYS-CFX. Based on the lift distribution analysis, it shows that Profile 3 has a huge advantage in generating better lift distribution (CL) among the wing profiles. Profile 3 able to produce at least 20% to 22.9% better maximum lift coefficient (CLmax) and CL magnitude compared to the other wing profiles. Despite its benevolent in CL performances, Profile 3 has induced the highest drag (CD) penalty among the wing profiles. Profile 3 has consistently produced at least 57.5% higher CD magnitude compared to other wing profiles. However, in terms of moment coefficient (CM) performances, Profile 3 has shown a promising ability in providing better wing stability compared to the other wing profile due to steeper CM slope.