Aerodynamic numerical simulation of bionic full-wing typical solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle

Based on solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of high altitude, aerodynamic numerical simulation is carried out for a bionic full-wing typical solar-powered UAV. First, typical low Reynolds wing is calculated and verified by Reynolds-average Navier-Stokes numerical simulation method, which is based on modified laminar kinetic energy model. Second, design features of bionic full-wing typical solar-powered UAV are reviewed. Third, the basic aerodynamic performance of UAV is simulated by numerical simulation method. Finally, directional-lateral performance and rudder efficiency of UAV are calculated and analyzed to gain more comprehensive aerodynamic performance. The research shows that this bionic full-wing typical solar-powered UAV has complex low Reynolds flow features (laminar separation, transition, turbulence reattachment and so on), small flow interference for parts, high basic aerodynamic performance (cruise lift-drag-ratio is greater than 34, the longitudinal static stability is about 8%), static stable directional-lateral performance and great rudder efficiency, and the bionic full-wing type is a promising configuration.