Computational Analysis of a UAV Drone with Varying Angle of Attacks

This study examines the aerodynamic properties of a tandem-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and applies computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to optimize its design for increased lift, decreased drag, and improved stability, as well as the assessment of the influence of design parameters on lift and drag. At a specified altitude of 300 meters above sea level, the study builds a 3D CFD model in Solidworks and refines it with ANSYS CFX to simulate the behavior of the UAV under various flight scenarios. The model's performance is maximized by a well-designed mesh that spans various angles of attack to investigate the relationship between aerodynamic characteristics and angle of attack variations. The results lay the groundwork for future UAV aerodynamics research and provide insightful information for enhancing tandem-wing UAV designs and overall flight performance. Notably, the study highlights energy and momentum imbalances and turbulence as angle of attack increases, emphasizing the importance of accurately modeling turbulence and flow separation through advanced numerical methods.In summary, this research employs CFD analysis to optimize a tandem-wing UAV's design, aiming to enhance its aerodynamic performance. It utilizes a 3D CFD model, simulating various flight conditions and angles of attack, uncovering important insights for improving UAV design and emphasizing the need for accurate modeling of turbulence and flow separation for a comprehensive understanding of energy and momentum transfer within the system.