Analysis and Verification of Cost-Effective Design Modifications to Commercially Available Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to Improve Performance, Stability and Control Characteristics, and Structural Integrity

摘要

In this work, several cost-effective design modifications were made to a commercially available fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle in order to improve overall performance and reliability. These modifications included the addition of 3D-printed winglets to improve aerodynamic performance, applying fiberglass reinforcement to areas of structural concern, the addition of rudder control surfaces for improved control authority, increasing the length of the empennage booms for both stability and control improvements, and the addition of dorsal fins to improve vertical fin stall characteristics. Design methodology and manufacturing processes were outlined, a cost breakdown was presented, and results from dynamic analysis were validated through extensive flight testing of the modified aircraft.