The Effect of Tubercle Leading Edge on the UAV Stability

The humpback whale tubercles are known to enhance aerodynamic performance. The current study focuses on the aerodynamic and stability benefit, obtained by implementing tubercles on the wing leading edge of a Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTOL UAV). In this study the aerodynamic and stability analysis are carried out using XFLR5. Two cases are considered; Clean Wing UAV and Tubercle Leading Edge (TLE) Wing UAV. The results indicate that the TLE wing enhances the aerodynamic efficiency of the UAV. The results also show an improvement in the aircraft stability due to the presence of tubercles.