Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Passive Vortex Generators on Aludra UAV Performance

A study of the effects of passive vortex generators (VGs) on Aludra unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerodynamic characteristics is presented. Both experimental and numerical works are carried out where an array of VGs is attached on Aludra UAV’s wing. The flow measurements are made at various angles of attack by using 3-axis component balance system. In the numerical investigation, the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) code FLUENT 6.3TM is used in the simulations with fully structured mesh with Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) turbulence model and standard wall function. The comparison between the experimental and numerical results reveals a satisfactory agreement. The parametric study shows that higher maximum lift coefficient is achieved when the VGs are placed nearer to the separation point. In addition to this, shorter spanwise distance between the VGs also increases the maximum lift coefficient, rectangular and curve-edge VG performs better than triangular VG.