Proposed Thesis Title:

"Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a UAV Model Using OpenVSP: A Parametric Approach to UAV Conceptual Design"

Thesis Level:

This topic is suitable for both Bachelor and Master level theses, depending on the scope and depth of the analysis.

Introduction:

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have seen a rapid rise in both commercial and military applications, necessitating advanced design tools that can quickly model, simulate, and iterate on different design configurations. OpenVSP (Open Vehicle Sketch Pad) is an open-source, parametric 3D modeler developed by NASA, allowing for rapid prototyping and evaluation of aircraft designs. This thesis aims to set up, refine, and analyze a parametric UAV model in OpenVSP, with a focus on optimizing the geometry for aerodynamic performance.

Research Objectives:

1. Set up a parametric UAV model in OpenVSP: The primary objective of this thesis is to develop a parametric model of a UAV in OpenVSP, allowing for flexibility in adjusting various design parameters such as wingspan, fuselage length, airfoil shape, and control surfaces.
2. Evaluate aerodynamic performance: Use OpenVSP and associated analysis tools (e.g., VSPAero) to conduct an aerodynamic analysis of the UAV. Key aerodynamic parameters, such as lift-to-drag ratio, stability, and control effectiveness, will be evaluated.
3. Optimize design based on mission profile: Optimize the UAV design for specific performance goals, such as maximizing endurance, range, or payload capacity, based on the intended mission (e.g., reconnaissance, cargo transport, etc.).
4. Validate through comparison: Where possible, compare the results from OpenVSP with available data from existing UAV designs or other computational tools such as CFD simulations.

Methodology:

1. Literature Review:

• Review UAV design principles, focusing on the aerodynamic and structural aspects.
• Study existing UAV design and modeling methods, with an emphasis on parametric modeling tools.
• Explore the capabilities of OpenVSP and its integration with aerodynamic analysis tools like VSPAero.

2. Parametric Model Setup in OpenVSP:

• Design the main components of the UAV (fuselage, wings, tail, propulsion, and control surfaces) using OpenVSP’s parametric modeling tools.
• Adjust the model to fit typical UAV configurations, such as fixed-wing reconnaissance UAVs or cargo UAVs.
• Experiment with different design variations, exploring how each parameter (e.g., wingspan, taper ratio, dihedral) affects the overall geometry and performance.

3. Aerodynamic Analysis:

• Use OpenVSP’s integrated aerodynamic analysis tools (e.g., VSPAero) to calculate key performance parameters such as lift, drag, pitching moments, and overall stability.
• Perform sensitivity analysis on key parameters, identifying how changes in wing and fuselage geometry affect performance.
• Optionally, validate the aerodynamic results using external CFD tools (e.g., XFLR5 or OpenFOAM) for more detailed flow analysis.

4. Optimization:

• Set up optimization loops to maximize UAV performance according to the intended mission profile. For example, for a reconnaissance UAV, you may focus on maximizing endurance (e.g., fuel efficiency, lift-to-drag ratio); for a cargo UAV, maximizing payload capacity and range.
• Evaluate trade-offs between aerodynamic efficiency, stability, and control effectiveness.

5. Validation:

• Where applicable, compare the results with existing UAV designs or published aerodynamic data.
• Validate the parametric UAV model by simulating the performance in various flight conditions and comparing the results with theoretical and empirical data.

6. Discussion of Results:

• Analyze the results obtained from the aerodynamic and optimization studies.
• Discuss the implications of the parametric design approach for UAV development, including the advantages and limitations of using OpenVSP as a conceptual design tool.
• Offer recommendations for further refinement and real-world application of the UAV model.

Expected Outcomes:

• A fully parametric model of a UAV created in OpenVSP, allowing for rapid design iterations and aerodynamic evaluations.
• A comprehensive analysis of the UAV’s aerodynamic performance under various configurations and mission profiles.
• Insights into how parametric design can streamline the early-stage development process for UAVs.
• A validated workflow using OpenVSP that can be applied to future UAV projects.

Thesis Structure:

1. Introduction:

• Problem statement and motivation
• Objectives and scope of the thesis
• Overview of UAV design and the role of parametric modeling

2. Literature Review:

• Overview of UAV design principles and methods
• Review of OpenVSP and its application in aircraft design
• Comparison of OpenVSP with other tools

3. Methodology:

• UAV design process in OpenVSP
• Description of aerodynamic analysis tools and methods
• Parametric modeling and optimization process

4. UAV Model Setup:

• Detailed description of the UAV model components
• Adjustments for different configurations (wings, fuselage, control surfaces)

5. Aerodynamic Analysis and Optimization:

• Analysis of lift, drag, and stability
• Optimizing the design for performance goals
• Sensitivity analysis of key design parameters

6. Validation and Comparison:

• Comparison with other UAV designs and theoretical data
• Discussion on the accuracy and reliability of OpenVSP results

7. Discussion and Recommendations:

• Analysis of key findings
• Limitations of the current design and suggestions for improvements
• Future work and applications of the parametric design approach

8. Conclusion:

• Summary of key results and contributions
• Final thoughts on the application of OpenVSP for UAV design

Conclusion:

This thesis will contribute to the growing field of UAV design by demonstrating how OpenVSP can be used to efficiently model, analyze, and optimize UAV configurations. The parametric approach provided by OpenVSP makes it an excellent tool for conceptual design and early-stage development, helping reduce the time and cost associated with traditional UAV design methods.

How to Apply:

If you’re interested in taking your UAV design skills to the next level, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a short cover letter, and a copy of your academic transcript to info@nikotechnologies.com with the subject line "Thesis Application – UAV Design".