Particle swarm based airfoil optimization for sUAV's operating in a low range of Reynold's number

Abstract

The paper focuses on Particle Swarm Optimization of an airfoil model for small unmanned aerial vehicles operating in low Reynolds number. The objective function to be maximized is the lift-to-drag ratio subject to different penalty constraints. The airfoil parameterization is done using Class/Shape function Transformation. Blade Element Momentum Theory is used to develop an optimum hovering propeller with the optimized airfoil and the Clark Y airfoil. The results of the numerical simulation are discussed in the paper.