POD/RSM Methodology for Low-Reynolds Number Aerodynamic on MAV

ZONA Technology proposes an R&D effort to develop a POD/RSM (Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Response Surface Method) methodology for the prediction of low-Reynolds number aerodynamics on Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs). By operating on a set of computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solutions computed at a few training points, the POD/RSM methodology provides a reduced order model that can rapidly and accurately generate the low-Reynolds number aerodynamic solutions at any given flight condition. This reduced order model is constructed using a few eigenmodes of the flow and can capture the complexity of the low-Reynolds number flow structures such as laminar boundary layer separation, transition and reattachment. In Phase I, a Flexible Latex Rubber Wing (FLRW) will be selected as a test bed to demonstrate the applicability of the POD/RSM methodology for MAV design and analysis. Validation will be conducted by comparing the POD/RSM solutions with the direct CFD solutions at the non-training points. The POD/RSM methodology will be used to generate aerodynamic force and moment coefficients as well as stability derivatives to asses the performance, stability, and handling quality of the FLRW.