CFD analysis of morphing airfoil

Project Title

CFD analysis of morphing airfoil

Project Area of Specialization Mechanical EngineeringProject Summary

In this project, we performed the steady analysis of the morphing trailing edge flap of an airfoil and compare the results with the same airfoil having a hinged trailing edge flap and analyze the variation of aerodynamic efficiency in both cases. We further modified the airfoil and make the sharp trailing edge round to induce Coanda effect and analyzed its aerodynamic efficiency. Now we want to fabricate a prototype of Pakistan’s first UAV fitted with a morphing wing.

Project Objectives

Aim of our project is to design an Airfoil with the better aerodyamic efficiency than an airfoil fitted with a traditional hinged flap by using the morphing mechanism and fabricate a small scale UAV fitted with a morphing wing.

Project Implementation Method

To perform steady state CFD Analysis of Morphing Airfoil using ANSYS Fluent, we followed the research done recently on morphing airfoils and generated a morphed airfoil in matlab by applying the Fish Bone Active Camber (FishBAC) morphing function. Morphed airfoil was imported in ICEM for meshing and then analysis was done in ANSYS Fluent. Analysis was done with varying angles of attack and results were compared with the research paper being followed.

For the fabrication of the prototype, servo motors will be employed in the wing for the actuation system of the morphing part of the wing. Standard procedure will be followed for the fabrication of rest of the aircraft.

Benefits of the Project

• More aerodynamically efficient airfoil i.e. less drag
• Less Noise
• Fuel Efficient
• Less Weight

Commercial airlines would be benefitted the most as a lot of fuel would be saved which would result in cheaper air fares.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

A low speed, rectangular wing radio-controlled airplane prototype fitted with the morphing trailing edge flap would be fabricated. Flaps would be morphed with the servo motors for the actuation system. The material of the wing would be an important parameter as it should be strong enough to resist the loads and flexible too so that it morphs easily to the desired shape.

Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry OthersOther IndustriesCore Technology OthersOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	51900
Servo Motors	Equipment	6	3000	18000
Lipo Battery 6s 5000mAh	Equipment	1	6000	6000
Lipo Battery Charger	Equipment	1	3500	3500
Transmitter	Equipment	1	10000	10000
Servo Extension Cables	Equipment	6	200	1200
Clevis	Equipment	6	200	1200
Push Rod	Equipment	2	1000	2000
Material	Equipment	1	10000	10000