This paper presents the aerodynamic design and analysis of a VTOL ducted-fan UAV. The vehicle can operate in vertical flight and horizontal flight. The main purpose of this project is to focus on the aerodynamic design to ensure acceptable flow conditions both on flight and in hover. Computational fluid dynamics was used to evaluate the aerodynamic coefficients and to analyze the flow patterns around the vehicle at different speeds and
angles of attack. The interaction between the fan flow and duct causes complex flow structures depending on the flight condition. To evaluate the aerodynamic characteristics of the duct, two analytical models were used: a 2D model to access the flow patterns surrounding the duct in climb, cruise and hover respectively, whereas the 3D model calculates the aerodynamic coefficients of duct. The full-scale model of UAV with ducted fan
rotating is also simulated using computational fluid dynamics approach.
History
Start page
1
End page
9
Total pages
9
Outlet
Proceedings of the AIAA Guidance, Navigation and control Conference and Exhibit, AIAA Proceedings of the 26th AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Conference
Editors
Kevin C. Massey
Name of conference
26th AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Conference
Publisher
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics