An Optimisation of a Chordwise Slot to Enhance Lateral Flow Control on a UCAV

Abstract

This research aims to optimise a chordwise slot so that lateral flow control of a flying wing configuration can be enhanced. This was achieved by maximising the airflow rate over the trailing edge control surfaces of the wing. A higher rate of airflow over the trailing edge control surfaces will increase the operationality of control surfaces, resulting in enhanced lateral control of the air vehicle at medium to high angles of attack. Four variables describing the chordwise slot are identified for numerical optimisation. They are: location, width, length, and angle of trajectory of chordwise slot relative to freestream. The results of the airflow rate for the wing with an optimised chordwise slot are compared with a baseline clean configuration. The flying wing configuration with a chordwise slot has shown a higher mass flow rate over the control surfaces of the wing in comparison to the baseline clean configuration, demonstrating that an optimised chordwise slot can be implemented on a flying wing configuration as it successfully controls the lateral flow by maximising the flow rate over the trailing edge control surfaces.