Aerodynamic Performance Investigation of Albatross-Inspired Fixed-Wing Micro Aerial Vehicle

Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) are increasingly used in surveillance, environmental monitoring, and rescue operations, yet their aerodynamic performance remains constrained by low Reynolds number flight regimes. This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of a fixed-wing MAV designed with a biomimetic airfoil inspired by the albatross wing (GOE 174) and compares it with a baseline MAV using the S5010 airfoil. Both designs were modeled in SolidWorks and analyzed using ANSYS Fluent with a poly-hexcore meshing strategy and ID-DES turbulence model. Numerical simulations were conducted at a flight velocity of 6.5 m/s under chord-based Reynolds numbers typical for MAV operations. Results demonstrated that the Albatross-inspired MAV produced higher lift coefficients across all angles of attack (AoA) and delayed aerodynamic stall by 7° compared to the baseline model. The maximum lift coefficient was observed at 26° AoA. The lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) of the Albatross model exceeded that of the baseline by 30.32% at its optimum AoA of 5°, confirming its superior aerodynamic efficiency. Velocity and pressure contours revealed larger pressure differentials and delayed flow separation in the Albatross design, contributing to improved post-stall performance. Vortex visualization and skin-friction analysis further validated reduced turbulence and enhanced lift generation. These findings highlight the potential of biomimetic wing designs in enhancing MAV aerodynamic performance under low Reynolds number conditions. The albatross-inspired configuration offers improved lift, delayed stall, and higher efficiency, establishing it as a promising candidate for sustainable MAV applications in challenging environments.