Aerodynamic Shape Optimization and the Effect of Morphing Winglet-Induced Tip Vortex Structure on the UAS-S45

Increasing fuel costs have necessitated the need for highly fuel-efficient aircraft. Industry and academic researchers are continually looking for ways to increase aircraft performance. One way is to reduce total aircraft drag, thereby improving aerodynamic efficiency without compromising structural integrity. The increase in efficiency directly benefits airlines by allowing for more frequent flights with less fuel consumption, resulting in economic benefits. Wingtip devices are already available in various shapes and sizes, and they all serve to minimize drag by recovering tip vortex energy, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Several methods have been proposed in this study for achieving the required morphing wing adaptability, resulting in considerable performance improvements over conventional wing design, such as a camber morphing wing flap.