Computational Fluids Dynamics Analysis and Low-Fidelity Design Approach of Fixed-Wing VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Tang, Xiang Zhe (2025) Computational Fluids Dynamics Analysis and Low-Fidelity Design Approach of Fixed-Wing VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

With the growing importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in both commercial and defense sectors, there is an increasing need for efficient and versatile platforms that overcome the limitations of multi-rotor UAVs, particularly in terms of endurance and payload capacity. Despite this demand, research on fixed-wing VTOL UAVs remains limited, especially regarding aerodynamic optimization for subsonic flight. This study addresses that gap by developing an aerodynamically efficient fixed-wing VTOL UAV through the investigation of key design parameters that previously been implemented on conventional aerial vehicle. Using CFD simulations in Ansys Fluent, the study evaluates the effects of airfoil selection, tapered wing, swept wing, washout wingtip, winglet installation and integration of canard swept wing configurations on aerodynamic performance, with lift-to-drag ratio and stall angle serving as primary metrics. The findings reveal that a Tapered Wing with a ratio of