Physical Properties of UAVs and Their Relationship with Turbulence Performance

This paper introduces a new method to quantify the performance of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in wind turbulence, termed turbulence sensitivity. This measure is based on the deviation between the UAV’s desired route and its actual route during flight in turbulence condition. Simulations were conducted to analyze how physical properties such as mass and rotor power affect UAV turbulence sensitivity. Using the Gazebo simulation platform and data collected from QGroundControl, varying levels of mass and rotor power were tested under simulated turbulent conditions. The study highlights the importance of standardized methods for quantifying turbulence sensitivity, offering insights into the relationship between UAV physical characteristics and their performance in turbulent environments. These findings provide an extra tool for evaluating designs for more robust UAVs, with potential applications in other UAV-driven sectors.