UAS Paradrogue Aerodynamics Research: Wind Tunnel Testing
Faculty Mentor Name
Shigeo Hayashibara
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Aerial refueling, though possible throughout a majority of the last century, continues to be limited in various ways including the restriction to manned aircraft. To gain insight on aerial refueling for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), an aerial refueling system known as the “probe-and-drogue” or paradrogue is being simulated and modeled using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing. Paradrogues, which are particularly useful for low-velocity aerial refueling, are attached to the end of refueling hoses and employ a special ringshaped chute or drogue to create drag, thus pulling the hose back and stabilizing it for the receiving aircraft to connect with it for fuel transfer. Geometric traits of the paradrogue, including the chute, will be altered individually to ascertain the effects these traits have on the drag characteristics of the paradrogue, as well as the flow field directly behind it known as the wake field. By understanding these effects, the paradrogue and the complex flow field it creates will lead to a better understanding of aerial refueling dynamics as well as characteristics of complex bluff bodies.
- POSTER PRESENTATION
- IGNITE AND ARIZONA SPACE GRANT AWARDS
Location
ERAU - Prescott, AZ; AC1-Atrium, 11 am - 3 pm | Eagle Gym, 7 - 9 pm
Start Date
3-29-2019 11:00 AM
End Date
3-29-2019 9:00 PM
UAS Paradrogue Aerodynamics Research: Wind Tunnel Testing
ERAU - Prescott, AZ; AC1-Atrium, 11 am - 3 pm | Eagle Gym, 7 - 9 pm
Aerial refueling, though possible throughout a majority of the last century, continues to be limited in various ways including the restriction to manned aircraft. To gain insight on aerial refueling for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), an aerial refueling system known as the “probe-and-drogue” or paradrogue is being simulated and modeled using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing. Paradrogues, which are particularly useful for low-velocity aerial refueling, are attached to the end of refueling hoses and employ a special ringshaped chute or drogue to create drag, thus pulling the hose back and stabilizing it for the receiving aircraft to connect with it for fuel transfer. Geometric traits of the paradrogue, including the chute, will be altered individually to ascertain the effects these traits have on the drag characteristics of the paradrogue, as well as the flow field directly behind it known as the wake field. By understanding these effects, the paradrogue and the complex flow field it creates will lead to a better understanding of aerial refueling dynamics as well as characteristics of complex bluff bodies.
- POSTER PRESENTATION
- IGNITE AND ARIZONA SPACE GRANT AWARDS