CFD Analysis of an Eppler-186 Airfoil with Gurney Flap for a Small-UAV

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study is performed on an EPPLER-186 airfoil equipped with a Gurney flap, with the main goal is to enhance the lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio of a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) during different flight conditions. Aerodynamic forces are calculated and non-dimensional velocity contours show the aerodynamic effect on the flow with the various sizes of Gurney flaps installed. In comparison with the airfoil base without the flap, the addition of the flap significantly increases lift values at low angles of attack (up to +0.59), and drag values around +0.02, resulting in increases in aerodynamic efficiency between +4 and +14 points. Results aim to support the development of advanced small-UAV designs with higher lift and efficiency, and reducing take-off and landing distances.