Simulation Analysis of Airfoil for Solar-Powered UAV Applications

General Background: Solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly utilized for long-duration missions due to their ability to harness renewable energy, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Specific Background: The aerodynamic performance of airfoils is crucial in optimizing flight efficiency and endurance for solar-powered UAVs, as it directly affects lift, drag, and overall energy consumption. Knowledge Gap: Despite the importance of airfoil selection, there is limited research on the aerodynamic characteristics of the NACA 2412 airfoil for solar-powered UAV applications under varying flight conditions. Aims: This study aims to analyze the aerodynamic performance of the NACA 2412 airfoil using XFLR5 software, focusing on the variation of lift, drag, and the coefficient of lift (Cl) across different angles of attack and Reynolds numbers to evaluate its suitability for solar UAVs. Results: The findings reveal that the NACA 2412 airfoil offers a well-balanced aerodynamic performance with favorable lift-to-drag characteristics. It demonstrates efficient lift generation while maintaining low drag at moderate angles of attack, making it a viable candidate for solar UAV applications. Novelty: This study provides a comprehensive simulation-based evaluation of the NACA 2412 airfoil, offering new insights into its performance under specific flight conditions for solar-powered UAVs. Implications: The results contribute to the informed selection of airfoils for solar UAV design, supporting the development of more efficient and enduring solar-powered aerial systems. Highlights: Evaluating NACA 2412 airfoil for solar-powered UAV efficiency. XFLR5 simulation analyzing lift, drag, and aerodynamic performance. NACA 2412 offers balanced lift-to-drag, supporting solar UAV applications. Keywords: Solar-Powered UAV, Airfoil, Aerodynamic Analysis, UAV performance, Energy Efficiency, Lift to Drag Ratio, Reynolds Number, Solar Energy Systems.