Flight Performance Enhancements using Atmospheric Gusts and Aeroelastic Effects

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Small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAV) are robotic aircraft typically weighing only a few kilograms. They are ideal for many applications impossible for larger aircraft, for example low-level aerial surveying. However, our limited understanding of their unique aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and mission capabilities greatly inhibit the exploitation of the full potential of this relatively new class of aircraft. The proposed research will address many of these challenges and develop methodologies that will advance SUAVs.******Specifically, this proposal will explore how to extract the energy of atmospheric wind gusts using aeroelastically tailored wings that deform in specific manners under gust-induced loads. Preliminary modelling indicates as much as 25% drag savings for such wings due to gust fields, which represents a big improvement in flight performance for these small aircraft. The research objective is to improve the theoretical models for more detailed investigations of these effects. This research is in direct support of my long-term research goal to advance the understanding of aerodynamics and flight dynamics of SUAVs in order to improve their performance.******The proposed methodology is fundamental and original in aeronautics as it uses a novel modelling approach that combines models for fluid-structure interactions and atmospheric gust energy harvesting. Challenges are the nonlinear aerodynamics typical for these small aircraft and the presently limited design and operational experience with them. The planned approach is to:******a) Develop and validate a suitable aeroelastic model.***b) Model the dynamics of a small flight vehicle as it passes through a gust field,***c) Identify the structural and geometric parameters that maximize the energy transfer from gust to aircraft. ******The validation of the theoretical model includes tests in Ryerson's newly upgraded wind tunnel.******The outcomes of this research proposal will advance the design methodologies for this novel class of aircraft and increase our understanding of small scale flight. The research will provide extensive training opportunities for at least four graduate and three undergraduate students in the emerging disciplines in aeronautics of fluid-structure interaction modelling and small robotic aircraft design. Furthermore, the research will decidedly contribute to the advancement of SUAVs, subsequently leading to improved designs and assisting the Canadian industry and research community to continue to succeed with their SUAV challenges.