Computational Aerodynamic Study on the Effects of Winglet Integration in a UAV Design

This work presents the aerodynamic analysis of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) model, which has been modified by incorporating a wingtip device, commonly referred to as a winglet. The integration of this feature aims to enhance the overall aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. To evaluate its effectiveness, simulations were conducted using ANSYS Fluent, and the modified configuration was compared to the original baseline geometry. Key aerodynamic parameters—including lift and drag coefficients, pressure and velocity distributions, and vortex formation—were analyzed. The results indicate a 3.7% improvement in the lift-to-drag (L/D) ratio with the addition of the winglet, demonstrating a measurable enhancement in aerodynamic efficiency and providing a quantitative basis for the potential performance benefits of wingtip modifications in small UAV designs.