Aerodynamics of small vehicles
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Thomas J. Mueller [1] ; James D. DeLaurier [2]
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[1] University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
Township of Portage, Estados Unidos
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[2] University of Toronto
University of Toronto
Canadá
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- Localización: Annual review of fluid mechanics, ISSN 0066-4189, Nº. 35, 2003, págs. 89-111
- Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
In this review we describe the aerodynamic problems that must be addressed in order to design a successful small aerial vehicle. The effects of Reynolds number and aspect ratio (AR) on the design and performance of fixed-wing vehicles are described. The boundary-layer behavior on airfoils is especially important in the design of vehicles in this flight regime. The results of a number of experimental boundary-layer studies, including the influence of laminar separation bubbles, are discussed. Several examples of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in this regime are described. Also, a brief survey of analytical models for oscillating and flapping-wing propulsion is presented. These range from the earliest examples where quasi-steady, attached flow is assumed, to those that account for the unsteady shed vortex wake as well as flow separation and aeroelastic behavior of a flapping wing. Experiments that complemented the analysis and led to the design of a successful ornithopter are also described.
