Development of an Unmanned Glider for Temperature and Image Monitoring
This paper presents the design, fabrication, simulation, and partial validation of a low-cost, fixed-wing unmanned glider equipped for temperature and image monitoring. Aerodynamic optimization was performed using XFLR5 and ANSYS Fluent 2023 R1, with spanwise variation between NACA 63(3)-618 and NAC...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Drones |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/9/7/481 |
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| author | Joel Eldo Sivasankar Sibi Zehin A. Ibrahim Efstratios L. Ntantis |
| author_facet | Joel Eldo Sivasankar Sibi Zehin A. Ibrahim Efstratios L. Ntantis |
| author_sort | Joel Eldo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This paper presents the design, fabrication, simulation, and partial validation of a low-cost, fixed-wing unmanned glider equipped for temperature and image monitoring. Aerodynamic optimization was performed using XFLR5 and ANSYS Fluent 2023 R1, with spanwise variation between NACA 63(3)-618 and NACA 4415 to enhance performance. Wind tunnel tests of the selected airfoil showed good agreement with CFD predictions, with deviations within 5–10%. The airframe, fabricated using 3D-printed PLA with a cross-lattice structure, was integrated with an ESP32-CAM and temperature sensor. A reflective thermal coating was applied to mitigate the heat sensitivity of PLA. Propeller-induced flow was analyzed separately using the lattice Boltzmann method. Real-time flight behavior was simulated in a virtual environment via Simulink and FlightGear. While full in-flight testing is pending, the results demonstrate a scalable, open-source UAV platform for environmental monitoring and academic research. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-833e1f41d6e34f0db62ebb07a36bfa31 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2504-446X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Drones |
| spelling | doaj-art-833e1f41d6e34f0db62ebb07a36bfa312025-08-20T02:45:55ZengMDPI AGDrones2504-446X2025-07-019748110.3390/drones9070481Development of an Unmanned Glider for Temperature and Image MonitoringJoel Eldo0Sivasankar Sibi1Zehin A. Ibrahim2Efstratios L. Ntantis3School of Engineering, Aerospace Department, Amity University Dubai, Dubai 345019, United Arab EmiratesSchool of Engineering, Aerospace Department, Amity University Dubai, Dubai 345019, United Arab EmiratesSchool of Engineering, Aerospace Department, Amity University Dubai, Dubai 345019, United Arab EmiratesSchool of Engineering, Aerospace Department, Amity University Dubai, Dubai 345019, United Arab EmiratesThis paper presents the design, fabrication, simulation, and partial validation of a low-cost, fixed-wing unmanned glider equipped for temperature and image monitoring. Aerodynamic optimization was performed using XFLR5 and ANSYS Fluent 2023 R1, with spanwise variation between NACA 63(3)-618 and NACA 4415 to enhance performance. Wind tunnel tests of the selected airfoil showed good agreement with CFD predictions, with deviations within 5–10%. The airframe, fabricated using 3D-printed PLA with a cross-lattice structure, was integrated with an ESP32-CAM and temperature sensor. A reflective thermal coating was applied to mitigate the heat sensitivity of PLA. Propeller-induced flow was analyzed separately using the lattice Boltzmann method. Real-time flight behavior was simulated in a virtual environment via Simulink and FlightGear. While full in-flight testing is pending, the results demonstrate a scalable, open-source UAV platform for environmental monitoring and academic research.https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/9/7/481unmanned aerial vehicleglider designaerodynamic optimizationfluid dynamics validationwind tunnel testingflight simulation |
| spellingShingle | Joel Eldo Sivasankar Sibi Zehin A. Ibrahim Efstratios L. Ntantis Development of an Unmanned Glider for Temperature and Image Monitoring Drones unmanned aerial vehicle glider design aerodynamic optimization fluid dynamics validation wind tunnel testing flight simulation |
| title | Development of an Unmanned Glider for Temperature and Image Monitoring |
| title_full | Development of an Unmanned Glider for Temperature and Image Monitoring |
| title_fullStr | Development of an Unmanned Glider for Temperature and Image Monitoring |
| title_full_unstemmed | Development of an Unmanned Glider for Temperature and Image Monitoring |
| title_short | Development of an Unmanned Glider for Temperature and Image Monitoring |
| title_sort | development of an unmanned glider for temperature and image monitoring |
| topic | unmanned aerial vehicle glider design aerodynamic optimization fluid dynamics validation wind tunnel testing flight simulation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/9/7/481 |
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