Computational Aerodynamics and Flight Dynamics of Perching Maneuver of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The aerodynamics and flight mechanics of the dynamic maneuver of a low speed propeller powered puller-type Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) have been modeled solving unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and six-DOF rigid body flight dynamics equations. The flight maneuver of

this UAV is accomplished by swiveling the outboard wings relative to the inboard wing fixed to the fuselage to change the angle of attack towards stall angle to slow down the UAV. To set the stage for a computational aero-mechanics modelling, the performance characteristics of a propeller and the interference aerodynamic effects of its installation on the UAV aerodynamics is assessed numerically. Along with time accurate studies, standard UAV aerodynamic characteristics are modeled on the basis of high fidelity computational aerodynamics. The flight trajectory of the UAV considering the variation of aerodynamic characteristics during the flight maneuver is computed as part of the overall computed solution by coupling the erodynamics and flight dynamics. A comparative study for various configurations in terms of swivel

point and perching rate are also addressed in order to better comprehend and understand the phenomenon.