Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Exploring the Performance Boundaries of a Reconfigurable Multi-Mission Military UAV through Multidisciplinary Analysis

These authors contributed equally to this work.
Version 1 : Received: 18 May 2023 / Approved: 22 May 2023 / Online: 22 May 2023 (09:35:00 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Santos, D.; Rogers, J.; De Rezende, A.; Maldonado, V. Exploring the Performance Boundaries of a Small Reconfigurable Multi-Mission UAV through Multidisciplinary Analysis. Aerospace 2023, 10, 684. Santos, D.; Rogers, J.; De Rezende, A.; Maldonado, V. Exploring the Performance Boundaries of a Small Reconfigurable Multi-Mission UAV through Multidisciplinary Analysis. Aerospace 2023, 10, 684.

Abstract

The performance of a small reconfigurable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is evaluated, 1 combining a multidisciplinary approach in computational analysis of additive manufactured struc- 2 tures, fluid dynamics, and experiments. Reconfigurable UAVs promise cost savings and efficiency 3 without sacrificing performance, while demonstrating versatility to fulfill different military mission 4 profiles. The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in UAV design produces higher accuracy 5 aerodynamic data, which is particularly important for complex aircraft concepts such as blended 6 wing bodies. To address challenges relating to anisotropic materials, the Tsai-Wu failure criterion is 7 applied to structural analysis, using CFD solutions as load inputs. Aerodynamic performance results 8 show the low-speed variant attains an endurance of 1 hour, 48 minutes, whereas for its high-speed 9 counterpart, it is 29 minutes at 66.7% higher cruise speed. Each variant serves different aspects of 10 small UAS deployment in combat, with low-speed envisioned for close surveillance, and high-speed 11 for incursions. Experimental and simulation results suggest room for design iteration, in wing area 12 and geometry adjustments. Structural simulations demonstrated the need for airframe improvements 13 in the low-speed configuration. This paper highlights the potential of reconfigurable UAVs to disrupt 14 the industry, advocating for further research and design improvements.

Keywords

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle; Reconfigurable; Multi-mission; Computational Fluid Dynam- 16 ics; Additive Manufacturing; Finite Element Analysis

Subject

Engineering, Aerospace Engineering

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