Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Aerodynamic Performance in Next-Generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Dıckson Davıd Olodu; Osagie Imevbore Ihenyen; Andrew Erameh

doi:10.54709/joebs.1670623

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Aerodynamic Performance in Next-Generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental analysis of the aerodynamic performance of next-generation fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to enhance design accuracy and operational efficiency. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations performed with ANSYS Fluent and Open FOAM, alongside experimental validations via wind tunnel testing and controlled flight trials, critical aerodynamic parameters such as lift, drag, pressure distribution, stability, and efficiency were investigated. The UAV prototype featured a 2.5 m wingspan, 0.4 m chord length, and a NACA 2412 airfoil. CFD simulations utilized a pressure-based solver with the k-ω SST turbulence model and a 3.2 million-element hybrid mesh across a Reynolds number range of 1.2×10⁵–4.8×10⁵. Experimental tests were conducted at varying angles of attack (AoA) and airspeeds ranging from 10 to 40 m/s. Results revealed strong agreement between numerical and experimental data. Peak lift coefficients of 1.20 (CFD) and 1.18 (experimental) were observed at AoA = 15°, with corresponding drag coefficients of 0.09 and 0.095. Pressure coefficient distributions along the chord at AoA = 10° demonstrated near-identical profiles, confirming simulation reliability. Stall onset occurred at AoA = 20°, with flow separation initiating around 50% of the chord length. Flight performance metrics showed a max range of 35 km (CFD) and 33.5 km (experimental), and glide ratios of 16 and 15.2, respectively. The study validates CFD as a robust predictive tool, bridging simulation and real-world performance, and offers a reliable methodology for optimizing UAV aerodynamic design for improved endurance, range, and overall flight efficiency.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering , Machine Theory and Dynamics , Flight Dynamics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Dıckson Davıd Olodu ^*
0000-0003-3383-2543
Nigeria

Osagie Imevbore Ihenyen
0000-0003-4499-7845
Nigeria

Andrew Erameh
0000-0002-6463-143X
Nigeria

Early Pub Date

October 31, 2025

Publication Date

October 31, 2025

Submission Date

April 7, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 13, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 04

DOI

https://doi.org/10.54709/joebs.1670623

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA25AY32YU

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

Vancouver

1.Dıckson Davıd Olodu, Osagie Imevbore Ihenyen, Andrew Erameh. Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Aerodynamic Performance in Next-Generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). JOEBS. 2025 Oct. 1;04:43-55. doi:10.54709/joebs.1670623