The aim of this article is to minimize the drag of an unmanned amphibious aerial vehicle (UAAV) and enhancing the endurance.

    Design/methodology/approach

    Various surface geometrical profiles such as rectangular, semicircular groove, razor blade and V-groove riblets are incorporated into the UAAV, and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis is performed for various angles of attack at diverse vehicle speed conditions to estimate the coefficient of drag considering k–e turbulence model. Comparative evaluation between riblet and blunt body shape methodology is performed. Wind tunnel experiments are conducted to validate the flow characteristics around the UAAV.

    Findings

    It is observed that V-groove riblet method produced minimal drag in comparison with other profiles. The pressure distributions around UAAV for various geometrical profiles suggested that V-groove profile has achieved minimal vortex region, flow separation and turbulent boundary layer near to the outer profile.

    Originality/value

    The CFD analysis of UAAV for various riblet configurations and validation with wind tunnel smoke test confirms that UAAV with V-groove riblet provides low drag.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Computational fluid dynamic analysis of an unmanned amphibious aerial vehicle for drag reduction


    Additional title:

    CFD analysis of an UAAV


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2020-04-27


    Size :

    14 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle

    GE XIFENG | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access

    Amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle

    TIAN YU | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access

    Integrated amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle

    ZHAO XIAOCHUAN / ZHANG SHAOQUN / DONG YIXUE et al. | European Patent Office | 2022

    Free access

    Amphibious manned unmanned aerial vehicle

    DENG RUOSI | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

    Amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle wing

    LIU YONGJUN | European Patent Office | 2022

    Free access