Operation of Advanced Flying Wing UAV: Examination of Structural Performance under Aberrant Pressure and Thermal Loading Conditions with Integrated Computational Study

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">The objective of this research is to present a novel variant of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with an advanced flying wing configuration capable of detecting and rescuing individuals affected by avalanches. This leads to testing of the UAV, to identify if it can operate efficiently at the intended temperature and atmospheric conditions. Typically, UAVs can operate in a broad spectrum of temperatures. Regions prone to avalanches would experience near-cryogenic temperatures. The notion is investigated and tested in this specific scenario. The chosen location is Siachen, where temperatures can become as low as -25 degree Celsius (°C). It has been proven that a thermal camera aids the UAV to detect the distinct body heat signatures of individuals who are trapped under snow. The selection of wing, propeller, and vertical stabilizer airfoils is guided by standard analytical calculations, while the overall model is developed using 3D EXPERIENCE. The computational tests are conducted using ANSYS Workbench software to determine the aerodynamic forces acting on the flying wing UAV under several conditions, such as maximum maneuvering working conditions, and average forward speed at extremely low thermal conditions. The outcomes of these tests are validated by the experimental testing of a tapered wing in a subsonic wind tunnel. The selection of suitable lightweight material for the low-temperature application is accomplished through the utilization of Fluid structure and thermal interaction analysis where, in addition to pressure load, temperature load has also been imported by using one-way coupling approach to identify the deformation due to the temperature loadings. To conduct a comparative analysis of the results, the displacements, stresses, strains, and strain energies-based conditions characterized by extremely low temperature levels are calculated for different composite materials. According to the comprehensive approach mentioned, the carbon fiber composite families perform much better than other polymer composite families. The carbon fiber derivative GY-70 exhibits superior performance compared to other lightweight materials. Additionally, AS carbon fibre-based composite reacted with less structural outcome under thermal loading conditions.</div></div>