Thrust and Efficiency Optimization of a Harmonically Deforming Thin Airfoil for MAV Design

This article presents analytical and numerical approaches to optimizing thrust and thrust efficiency of a harmonically deforming thin airfoil. An unsteady aerodynamic model for a deforming thin airfoil undergoing harmonic oscillations has been developed previously. Here the thrust and efficiency functions are presented in a quadratic form in terms of the deformation design variables. A zero leading-edge suction constraint is developed which can be used to avoid leading edge separation in thin airfoils. Pareto fronts in terms of thrust magnitude and efficiency are generated showing optimum deformation conditions (magnitude and phase) at various reduced frequencies for various constraints.