Design of fixed wing micro air vehicles

Abstract

The paper describes the methodology and computational design strategies used to develop a series of fixed wing micro air vehicles (MAVs) at the Ghent University. The emphasis of the research is to find an optimal MAV-platform that is bound to geometrical constraints but superior in its performance. This requires a multidisciplinary design optimisation but the challenges are mainly of aerodynamic nature. Key areas are endurance, stability, controllability, manoeuvrability and component integration. The highly three-dimensional low Reynolds number flow, the lack of experimental databases and analytical or empirical models of MAV-aerodynamics required fundamental research of the phenomena. This includes the use of a vortex lattice method, three-dimensional CFD-computations and a numerical propeller optimisation method to derive the forces and their derivatives of the MAV and propeller for performance and stability-related optimisation studies. The design method leads to a simple, stable and robust flying wing MAV-platform that has the agility of a fighter airplane. A prototype, the UGMAV25, was constructed and flight tests were performed. The capabilities of the MAV were tested in a series of successful flight manoeuvres. The UGMAV15, a MAV with a span of 15cm, is also developed to test flight-qualities and endurance at this small scale. With the current battery technology, a flight-time of at least one hour is expected.

Planform Effects for Low-Reynolds-Number Thin Wings with Positive and Reflex Cambers

“…The choice of these planforms are based on some current oftenused MAV planform designs. For example, the Wasp MAV by AeroVironment [21] and UGMAV from the University of Ghent [22] took a low-aspect-ratio tapered wing planform design. The micro tactical expendable (MITE) MAVs from the Naval Research Laboratory [23] and Hornet MAVs of AeroVironment [24] were based on a simple low-aspect-ratio rectangular design.…”

Elements of Aerodynamics, Propulsion, and Design

“…Cosyn and Vierendeels [91] continued their fundamental research in this area and developed a methodology and design strategies to design a series of fixed-wing micro air vehicles. The approach included the use of a vortex-lattice method, threedimensional CFD computations, and a numerical propeller optimization method to derive the forces and their derivatives of the MAV and propeller.…”

Endurance improvement by battery dumping strategy considering Peukert effect for electric-powered disposable UAVs

“…The rapid development of Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) has increased the importance of such disposable UAVs because they can be equipped with lightweight low-cost MEMS for flight stability, navigation and autonomy. (4,5) Powerful evidence of this is provided by the fact that some disposable UAVs or even flying sensor modules have been developed and studied broadly due to their potential to be produced and discarded in large quantities. (1,(5)(6)(7)(8) However, the tasks they can perform are accordingly ordinary and onefold.…”