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Span morphing using the GNAT spar for a mini-UAV: designing and testing

Span morphing using the GNAT spar for a mini-UAV: designing and testing
Span morphing using the GNAT spar for a mini-UAV: designing and testing
Rigid wings usually fly at sub-optimal conditions which generates unnecessary aerodynamic loses represented in flight time, fuel consumption, and unfavourable operational characteristics. Large wingspans allow for good range and fuel efficiency, but lack manoeuvrability; on the other hand, low aspect ratio wings fly faster and are more manoeuvrable, but suffer from poor aerodynamic performance. Span morphing technology allows integrating both features in a single wing design and allows continuously adjusting the wingspan to match the instantaneous flight conditions and mission objectives. This paper develops a novel span morphing concept called the Gear driveN Autonomous Twin (GNAT) spar for a mini-UAV. The GNAT spar allows span extension up to 25% of the original span to reduce induced drag and increase flight endurance. The GNAT is superior to conventional telescopic structures as it uses the extra space available in the other side of the wing instead of relying on overlapping structures associated with telescopic spars. In addition, it has a self-locking capability due to the low lead angle of the driving worm gear of its actuation mechanism. Aero-structural sizing and design of the concept is performed using low fidelity aerodynamics (XFLR5) and high-fidelity FE solver (SolidWorks). Furthermore a physical prototype of the concept is developed, followed by the integration of Latex flexible skin to provide the aerodynamic shape of the wing. Following from this, the design of robust control system using the Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller is discussed. Finally, benefits and drawbacks of the design are highlighted and analysed.
Ajaj, R.M.
ff8ce68d-2ba5-449e-83da-f2be54e6d409
Bourchak, M.
a78efa81-d3c5-47e1-bcd3-0200333da605
Friswell, M.I.
e1f48951-f82e-4301-9a71-e32ce1188b00
Ajaj, R.M.
ff8ce68d-2ba5-449e-83da-f2be54e6d409
Bourchak, M.
a78efa81-d3c5-47e1-bcd3-0200333da605
Friswell, M.I.
e1f48951-f82e-4301-9a71-e32ce1188b00

Ajaj, R.M., Bourchak, M. and Friswell, M.I. (2014) Span morphing using the GNAT spar for a mini-UAV: designing and testing. 4th RAeS Aircraft Structural Design Conference, Belfast, United Kingdom. 07 - 09 Oct 2014. 16 pp .

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

Rigid wings usually fly at sub-optimal conditions which generates unnecessary aerodynamic loses represented in flight time, fuel consumption, and unfavourable operational characteristics. Large wingspans allow for good range and fuel efficiency, but lack manoeuvrability; on the other hand, low aspect ratio wings fly faster and are more manoeuvrable, but suffer from poor aerodynamic performance. Span morphing technology allows integrating both features in a single wing design and allows continuously adjusting the wingspan to match the instantaneous flight conditions and mission objectives. This paper develops a novel span morphing concept called the Gear driveN Autonomous Twin (GNAT) spar for a mini-UAV. The GNAT spar allows span extension up to 25% of the original span to reduce induced drag and increase flight endurance. The GNAT is superior to conventional telescopic structures as it uses the extra space available in the other side of the wing instead of relying on overlapping structures associated with telescopic spars. In addition, it has a self-locking capability due to the low lead angle of the driving worm gear of its actuation mechanism. Aero-structural sizing and design of the concept is performed using low fidelity aerodynamics (XFLR5) and high-fidelity FE solver (SolidWorks). Furthermore a physical prototype of the concept is developed, followed by the integration of Latex flexible skin to provide the aerodynamic shape of the wing. Following from this, the design of robust control system using the Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller is discussed. Finally, benefits and drawbacks of the design are highlighted and analysed.

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More information

Published date: 7 October 2014
Venue - Dates: 4th RAeS Aircraft Structural Design Conference, Belfast, United Kingdom, 2014-10-07 - 2014-10-09
Organisations: Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics Group

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 369691
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/369691
PURE UUID: ce9caba8-f6af-4a4d-aa50-a7f5be70ea38

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 17 Oct 2014 09:23
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 18:07

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Contributors

Author: R.M. Ajaj
Author: M. Bourchak
Author: M.I. Friswell

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