Parametric aerodynamic study of Blended-Wing-Body platforms at low subsonic speeds for UAV applications

摘要

A CFD-aided parametric study of the Blended Wing Body (BWB) concept is presented at low subsonic speeds. Both low- and high-fidelity analysis tools were considered for the aerodynamic study and a CFD approach was eventually selected, to ensure the accuracy of the results and help provide information for the flow field around the examined configurations. A parametric Computed Aided Design (CAD) tool was developed so that detailed 3D representations can be generated. Key design parameters, such as wing sweep angle and aspect ratio, were investigated by solving the RANS equations coupled with a turbulence model. The results of this work help provide insight considering the BWB concept for low subsonic applications and highlight its aerodynamic benefits at the incompressible regime, where most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) operate. Moreover, the trends that are needed for the early design phases by layout engineers are provided for each of the examined parameters.