| Abstract: |
This paper presents an empirical study to explore the aerodynamic, structural, and operational performance characteristics of erected Delta shaped Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) configurations, which constitute a hybrid structure based on the delta wing morphology, upon a bamboo-spine derived lattice reinforcement topology. The Delta UAV is a novel structural concept in which bioinspired skeletal frameworks are integrates classic swept-wing aerodynamics to attain improved lift-to-drag ratios, enhanced structural rigidity, and reduced overall structural weight. A systematic comparison of five primary structural configurations was conducted across key performance metrics, including drag coefficient (Cd), lift coefficient (Cl), structural stress distribution (von Mises stress), thrust-to-weight ratio (TWR), and endurance performance index (EPI), using a combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, finite element analysis (FEA), and wind tunnel experimental validation. A wind tunnel was used to collect experimental data over a range of Reynolds numbers (Re=3×105 to 1.2×106) and angle-of-attack (−4° to 20°) conditions. The results indicate an optimized Delta Type-3 airframe with a peak lift-to-drag ratio of 14.72, a von Mises peak stress of 38.4 MPa sustained under 3gs loading (well below safety margin) and 17.3% more endurance over comparable mass conventional delta-wing UAVs. The results show that there are statistically significant benefits of flight efficiency, structural stability and payload accommodation for bio-inspired lattice-reinforced delta configurations. However, in this research, a validated design framework has been presented for next-generation fixed-wing UAVs operating in surveillance, agriculture, and disaster management applications. |
