New Validation Methodology of an Adaptive Wing for UAV S45 for Fuel Reduction and Climate Improvement

Abstract

New knowledge in multidisciplinary methodology is presented in this article for the design, aerodynamic optimization, and model validation of an adaptive wing prototype. The optimization framework integrates the design, the finite element analysis, and the model validation. A computational fluid dynamics model of the adaptive wing and the flow in its vicinity was developed and validated with experimental metrics, such as the lift, the drag, and the lift-to-drag ratio. A new genetic algorithm strategy was chosen to find the optimized airfoil shapes for the prototype’s upper surface. The reliability of the proposed methodology was investigated through the design, manufacture, and testing of a wing prototype proposed for the UAV S45. The experimental and simulated results have shown a low drag production and a high lift-to-drag ratio of the adaptive wing prototype that will translate into a reduction in fuel consumption and an increase in cruising flight range and therefore into climate improvement.