Method for Static Aeroelastic Analysis of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Wings Considering Geometric Nonlinear Deformation
Authors: Chen Lei , Strelets D.Yu.
Published in issue: #7(175)/2026
Category: Aviation and Rocket-Space Engineering | Chapter: Design, Construction, Production, Testing, and Operation of Aircraft
Given the elasticity of the structure and high susceptibility to geometrically nonlinear deformations of high-aspect-ratio solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the paper proposes an integrated analysis method that couples static aeroelasticity with solar energy harvesting efficiency. Using a high-aspect-ratio wing as a case study, linear and nonlinear analyses are compared, and an energy balance evaluation is conducted for a full-day flight during the summer solstice. Results indicate that geometric nonlinearity leads to significant bending-torsional wing deformations. Compared to linear analysis, the nonlinear method reveals substantial changes in aerodynamic characteristics, with the deviation in required power for level flight reaching 21.6%. Although the relative impact of deformation on solar irradiance capture is modest (0.8%), the absolute daily energy loss exceeds 400 Wh, which is critical for low-power-consumption UAVs. This study confirms the necessity of considering nonlinear aeroelastic effects during the preliminary design phase for accurate performance and mission capability assessment.
EDN KHYRKM
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