Heat Transfer Effects on Aerodynamic Performance of Bioinspired Passive Flyers

This study aimed to investigate the aerodynamic and thermal behavior of dandelion diaspore analogs to explore the effect of coloration on the overall flow field. To do so, computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed on simplified porous disk models across varying absorptivities under steady-state and transient conditions. By coupling heat transfer and fluid dynamics, the simulations captured the influence of thermal gradients on stable vortex ring formation and overall drag forces. Results showed that increased surface temperature, caused by higher absorptivity, enhanced buoyancy forces, disrupted vortex ring formation, and elevated drag coefficients. Conversely, white-colored analogs exhibited lower thermal loading and reduced aerodynamic resistance. While the current model employed a rigid, porous disk approximation, it provides valuable insights into the effects on the fluid flow of unmanned, dandelion-inspired micro aerial vehicles (MAVs).