Design Optimization of Low Reynolds Number Airfoil for Enhanced Aerodynamics of 4R-UAV

Abstract

This paper is the further implementation of the airfoil optimization methodology presented by authors in [1] and verified in [2]. The main focus of the study is to choose and optimize the airfoil for the wing section of the future 4R-UAV. 4R-UAV is a project funded by the Latvian Council of Science with the goal to create an innovative, aerodynamically improved, and eco-friendly UAV. Instead of conventional UAV wings comprising one airfoil, 4R-UAV wings will uniquely include two different airfoils, in order to achieve additional performance from the wingtip section. PSU94 airfoil was selected as the parent airfoil due to its application in wingtips. The optimization and CFD analysis demonstrated improved aerodynamic characteristics in the optimized airfoil (PSU94mod) compared to the original airfoil (PSU94). Optimized airfoil with improved aerodynamic characteristics will be used for the future 4R-UAV wing.