EA
Aerodynamic Optimization and Lightweight Structural Design for High-performance RC Gliders: A Computational and Experimental Study
TOTAL VIEWS: 535
Abstract
This article explores the aerodynamic optimization and lightweight structural design of high-performance radio-controlled (RC) gliders. By combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, finite element analysis (FEA), and experimental testing, the research aims to boost the gliders' performance in terms of lift-to-drag ratio, flight endurance, and structural integrity. The aerodynamic shape of the glider wing and fuselage is optimized using a multi-objective genetic algorithm, while the structural components are crafted with advanced carbon fiber composites. The results reveal a 15% enhancement in the lift-to-drag ratio (from 25 to 28.75) and a 20% reduction in structural weight (from 1.5 kg to 1.2 kg), underscoring the significance of integrating computational and experimental approaches in designing high-performance unmanned aerial vehicles. The study also examines the glider's robustness under diverse environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and wind effects, and offers insights into the economic feasibility of the optimized design.
References
[1] Anderson JD. Introduction to flight. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2010.
[2] Selig MS, McGranahan BD. Wind tunnel aerodynamic tests of six airfoils for use on small wind turbines. J Sol Energy Eng. 2004;126(4):986-1001.
[3] Deb K, Pratap A, Agarwal S, Meyarivan T. A fast and elitist multiobjective genetic algorithm: NSGA-II. IEEE Trans Evol Comput. 2002;6(2):182-97.
[4] Tang X, Chen J, et al. Reinforcement learning-based energy management for hybrid power systems: state-of-the-art survey, review, and perspectives. Chin J Mech Eng. 2024;37:43.
[5] Cheng Y, Han C, et al. Structural optimization of lightweight bipedal robot via SERL. arXiv preprint arXiv:2408.15632. 2024.
[6] Zhao H, Gao Z, Xu F, Zhang Y. Review of robust aerodynamic design optimization for air vehicles. Arch Comput Methods Eng. 2019;26(3):685-732.
[7] Huang M, Zhang M, Zhu H, et al. Mucosal vaccine delivery: a focus on the breakthrough of specific barriers. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2022;12(9):3456-74.
[8] Liu Y, Xu T, Zhang J, et al. Effects of Al and C content on κ-carbide precipitation and strengthening in high-Mn low-density steels: a quantitative study. China Foundry. 2025.
Available from: http://kns.cnki.net/kcms/detail/21.1498.TG.20250506.0857.002.html [cited 2025 May 7].
How to cite this paper
Aerodynamic Optimization and Lightweight Structural Design for High-performance RC Gliders: A Computational and Experimental Study
How to cite this paper: Wenjun Gu. (2025). Aerodynamic Optimization and Lightweight Structural Design for High-performance RC Gliders: A Computational and Experimental Study. Engineering Advances, 5(2), 64-68.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ea.2025.04.004
More Articles
- Analysis of Computer-synthesized Cross-linked Polymers Using the ReaxFF Force Field
- A Review: Improve the Stretchability of Wearable Sensors Based on the Materials and Methods
- Sub-micron Cell Design and Process Fault Tolerance of Source Buried Trench Silicon Carbide VDMOSFET
- Structure Analyses and Simulation of Tunable Grating Based on GNP and PDMS
- Aerodynamic Optimization and Lightweight Structural Design for High-performance RC Gliders: A Computational and Experimental Study
- Research on Key Technologies for Failure Prediction and Health Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles