Aerodynamic and structural design of a solar-powered micro unmanned air vehicle

Abstract

The field of micro unmanned aerial vehicles ((μUAVs) has advanced rapidly in recent years. This paper studies the design and construction of a small solar-powered aircraft near the size range of current (μUAVs. A number of aspects of their design were analysed, including structural, aerodynamic and propulsion system considerations. The effect of small-scale, low Reynolds number aerodynamics was investigated, and the performance of a range of candidate aerofoils was compared. The integration of a solar power source into the aircraft system was considered a key design issue. Consequently, a number of aircraft configurations were examined, with the intention of optimizing the application of solar power in a miniature aircraft. Investigation of improved system components suggests that a practical solar-powered aircraft in the size range below 500 mm maximum linear dimension should be viable given modest technological improvements.

Keywords

micro unmanned air vehicle aircraft design solar power

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