ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ea.2025.04.004
Aerodynamic Optimization and Lightweight Structural Design for High-performance RC Gliders: A Computational and Experimental Study
Wenjun Gu
Tai'an Oulei Aviation Technology Co., Ltd., Tai'an 271513, Shandong, China.
*Corresponding author: Wenjun Gu
Published: May 14, 2025
Abstract
This article explores the aerodynamic optimization and lightweight structural design of high-performance radio-controlled (RC) gliders. By combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, finite element analysis (FEA), and experimental testing, the research aims to boost the gliders' performance in terms of lift-to-drag ratio, flight endurance, and structural integrity. The aerodynamic shape of the glider wing and fuselage is optimized using a multi-objective genetic algorithm, while the structural components are crafted with advanced carbon fiber composites. The results reveal a 15% enhancement in the lift-to-drag ratio (from 25 to 28.75) and a 20% reduction in structural weight (from 1.5 kg to 1.2 kg), underscoring the significance of integrating computational and experimental approaches in designing high-performance unmanned aerial vehicles. The study also examines the glider's robustness under diverse environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and wind effects, and offers insights into the economic feasibility of the optimized design.
Keyword
Aerodynamic Optimization; Lightweight Design; RC Gliders; Computational-Experimental Integration; Carbon Fiber Composites
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Available from: http://kns.cnki.net/kcms/detail/21.1498.TG.20250506.0857.002.html [cited 2025 May 7].
Copyright
© 2025 by the author(s).
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license, which permits non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not modified or adapted.
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How to cite this paper
Aerodynamic Optimization and Lightweight Structural Design for High-performance RC Gliders: A Computational and Experimental Study
How to cite this paper: Wenjun Gu. (2025). Aerodynamic Optimization and Lightweight Structural Design for High-performance RC Gliders: A Computational and Experimental Study. Engineering Advances, 5(2), 64-68.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ea.2025.04.004