Aerodynamic shape optimisation, wind tunnel measurements and CFD analysis of a MAV wing

The aerodynamic shape optimisation of a micro air vehicle (MAV) wing is performed to obtain the basic wing geometrical characteristics which produce the maximum range and endurance requirements. Multhopp's method based on Prandtl's classical lifting line theory is used for the determination of the spanwise load distribution required during the optimisation process. The obtained lift and drag characteristics are used for the derivation of the range and endurance equations of an electrically driven micro air vehicle. The optimisation process is based on the modified feasible directions gradient based optimisation algorithm. Results are validated using wind tunnel measurements showing very good agreement. Results are also compared with solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations obtained with ANSYS-CFX finite elements using different turbulence models. These include the k-e and the shear stress transport (SST) models as well as the Reynolds stress model.