Aerodynamic analysis of high-cambered morphing airfoils using computational fluid dynamics and particle image velocimetry methods

Purpose Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are the fastest developing aviation branch these days. There are numerous ways to preserve a UAV landing maneuver, but the most difficult to land and most vulnerable to damage are UAVs without landing gear. Existing concepts of preserving landing maneuvers with UAVs without landing gear mainly focus on minimizing the impact force and loads overstressing the structure of the UAV. The purpose of this work is to research an innovative morphing wing design for micro UAV applications. Design/methodology/approach Research was conducted in two ways. Experiments were performed in the hydrodynamic tunnel on low Reynolds number using the particle image velocimetry method. Numerical simulations were conducted in a two-dimensional domain with k−ω shear stress transport turbulence model. Findings Results show lift force and drag coefficient increase with the increase of the angle of attack for all geometries. The coefficients also increase with the camber increase. Results have a promising tendency in the subject of micro UAV applications. Research limitations/implications The main limitation was the achievable medium speed in the hydrodynamic tunnel, which limited the numerical simulations’ velocity magnitude. Practical implications The results of this research can be used in the design phase of more efficient and safer UAVs. Originality/value Authors created a revolutionary concept combining the perched landing method with morphing airfoils. This solution could not only contribute to minimizing the damage occurring to the UAV during landing but also to improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the UAV during flight.