Computational Assessment and Evolution of MQ1-Predator Design

Refaat, Abdullah Saleh; Mohamed, Abdulrahman Elazazi; Mohamed, Mohamed Ahmed; Abdelmonem, Mohamed Samir; AbdelFatah, Roba Tarek; Mohamed, Shawky Mohamed

doi:10.21608/iugrc.2022.302474

Computational Assessment and Evolution of MQ1-Predator Design

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Zagazig University, Egypt.

10.21608/iugrc.2022.302474

Abstract

This study concerns the evaluation and development of the performance of MQ-1 Predator airplane from the aspects of design, and manufacturing. Based on the design and aerodynamic performance aspects, the computational models were developed by ANSYS-Fluent software to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of the baseline design and to study modifications applied to the design to achieve the optimum design and performance. The pressure and velocity contours of the wing model and the whole aircraft model are demonstrated at different angles of attack to show the flow characteristics and the stall effects. The coefficients of lift and drag were determined against different angles of attack. Finally, the manufacturing phase included a scaled model of the modified aircraft. The model has all the required assumptions and considerations for surface roughness, and model kinematics and balance using carbon fiber with wooden, and metal supports to be a lightweight model with suitable structure, which can withstand the loads.

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