Aerodynamic optimization design of Z-shaped folding UAV

Abstract

Aiming at the problems of rolling torque and yaw torque of zigzag UAV, a multi-objective optimization method based on hybrid airfoil parameterization was proposed. The optimization model was established by combining the non dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-Ⅱ) with hybrid airfoil parameterization, SCDM flow field modeling, fluent meshing and fluent solution flow field calculation. Then an automatic optimization process based on Isight platform was developed to realize the aerodynamic optimization design of zigzag UAV. The results show that the optimization platform based on hybrid airfoil parameterization increases the search space of airfoil optimization, achieves the optimization of multi-objective predetermined values, reduces the roll torque and yaw torque of Z-shaped UAV to the greatest extent, and improves its overall aerodynamic performance. The proposed method can eliminate the moment of UAV with limited wingspan, which provides a technical reference for solving the roll and yaw problems of asymmetric UAV.

Keywords

• fixed wing aircraft; unmanned aerial vehicle; optimization design; genetic algorithm; airfoil parameterization; flow field modeling; aerodynamic performance