CFD Analysis of Aerodynamic Characteristics in a Square-Shaped Swarm Formation of Four Quadcopter UAVs

The aerodynamic behavior of a square-shaped formation of four quadcopter UAVs flying in a swarm is investigated in detail through three-dimensional computer simulations utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology. The swarm configuration comprises four UAVs positioned with two in the upper row and two in the lower row along the same propeller axes. The flow profile generated by the UAV propellers rotating at 10,000 revolutions per minute is analyzed parametrically using the Multiple Reference Frame (MRF) technique. UAVs within the swarm are positioned at 75 cm from the motion centers of adjacent propellers. This distance, the effects of horizontally and vertically positioned UAVs on each other, and the collective behavior of the swarm are thoroughly examined. Pressure, velocity, and turbulent kinetic energy values are meticulously analyzed. This research represents a milestone in understanding the aerodynamic characteristics of UAV swarms and the optimization of swarm performance. The findings highlight effective factors in swarm flights and their consequences for UAVs. Additionally, the article describes the “near-UAV phenomenon”. Furthermore, the methodology developed for CFD simulations provides an approach to analyzing close flight scenarios and evaluating their performance in various swarm configurations. These achievements contribute to the future development of UAV technology.