Numerical Analysis of Blended Wing Body VTOL UAV: Investigating Aerodynamic Characteristics Under Various Pylon Configurations

Abstract

The Blended Wing Body (BWB) configuration is a disruptive innovation in aviation design, offering a unified airframe where the fuselage and wings merge seamlessly into a single aerodynamic structure. This study focuses on the application of the BWB configuration for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), specifically those with Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capabilities. As UAVs are increasingly used in military and commercial applications, there is a growing need for enhanced performance characteristics such as fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and environmental sustainability. Traditional UAV designs that separate the fuselage and wings suffer from aerodynamic inefficiencies, limiting their operational range and agility. In contrast, the BWB design has the potential to overcome these limitations by improving lift-to-drag ratios, reducing structural weight, and optimizing fuel consumption, making it particularly well-suited for VTOL operations where runway space is limited. This research addresses the aerodynamic challenges inherent in BWB VTOL UAV designs, focusing on various pylon configurations that support vertical propulsion systems. Pylon configurations are critical to the performance of BWB UAVs as they influence both aerodynamic stability and drag. A range of configurations was analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess their impact on performance during different flight phases. This study presents a systematic evaluation of configurations, including clean, single pylon, dual pylon, and canted designs, with particular attention to their effects on lift, drag, and overall flight stability. Key findings indicate that the Inboard Canted Dual Mid-Wing pylon configuration offers a balance of stability, lift, and drag, leading to a 13% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. This improvement translates into longer flight endurance, higher payload capacity, and lower fuel consumption, crucial for both commercial UAV applications such as cargo transport and military uses like reconnaissance. The clean configuration, while offering the least drag, was found to be less effective for missions requiring high maneuverability or heavy payloads. These findings are significant as they highlight thexix potential of BWB UAVs to achieve superior performance compared to traditional wingbody designs, particularly in VTOL operations. Overall, this research not only contributes to the existing body of knowledge on UAV design but also lays the groundwork for the next generation of aerial vehicles that can perform complex missions with higher efficiency and lower environmental impact. By leveraging the unique aerodynamic advantages of the BWB configuration, this study demonstrates the feasibility of creating high-performance UAVs that can meet the demands of modern aviation while also addressing pressing global concerns related to fuel consumption and emissions.