Aerodynamics Analysis on Wings with Winglets and Vortex Generators

This project was based on the principle of designing, simulating and developing an inexpensive, aerodynamically efficient and regular class electric powered RC aircraft. This prototype was designed to have the maximum strength to weight ratio with minimum drag coefficient (and highest lift coefficient). Moreover, all constraints provided by SAE International competition were followed. The investigation was conducted for the complete airplane and for wing optimization. The model was numerically investigated with ANSYS Fluent 16.1 through the SST K-Omega turbulence model at Reynolds number of 360,000. Once the results were obtained, model and result verification were done by wind tunnel test to validate the data. It was concluded that the airplane with 45° winglet has the highest lift force with minimal drag and 45° winglet was further modified with rectangular and triangular vortex generators in order to further enhance its aerodynamic efficiency for a range of Angle of Attacks (AOA).

Fully Parametric Optimization Designs of Wing Components

An optimization technique called shape-linked optimization, which is different from the traditional optimization method, is introduced in this paper. The research introduces an updated wing optimization design in an effort to adapt to continuous structure changes and shapes while optimizing for a lighter weight of the structure. The changing tendencies of the thickness of wing skins and the cross-section areas of the wing beams are fitted to continuous polynomial functions, whose coefficients are designed as variables, which is a different engineering approach from the size variants of the thickness and the area in the traditional optimization. The structural strength, stiffness, and stability are constraints. Firstly, this research unearths the significance of utilizing a modernized optimization process which alters the production of the traditional 12 or over 12 segment wing design and applies new approaches and methods with less variables that contribute to expedited design cycles, decreased engineering and manufacturing expenditures, and a lighter weight aircraft with lower operating costs than the traditional design for the operators. And then, this paper exemplifies and illustrates the validity of the above claims in a detailed and systematic approach by comparing traditional and modernized optimization applications with a two-beam wing. Finally, this paper also proves that the new optimized structure parameters are easier than the size optimization to process and manufacture.