2002/12/18 by Thomas Mueller, Thomas J. Mueller, James D. DeLaurier +1 · 639 citations
Engineering · #Aerodynamics #Aeroelasticity #Aerospace Engineering and Energy Systems #Aerospace engineering #Airfoil #Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms #Boundary layer #Computer science #Engineering #Flapping #Flow (mathematics) #Flow separation #Laminar flow #Mechanics #Physics #Propulsion #Propulsive efficiency #Reynolds number #Separation (statistics) #Turbulence #Vortex #Wake #Wind Energy Research and Development #Wing
paper · doi:10.1146/annurev.fluid.35.101101.161102
published in Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics 35(1), 89-111 (Annual Reviews)
openalex publication_date 2002/12/18 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
▪ Abstract In this review we describe the aerodynamic problems that must be addressed in order to design a successful small aerial vehicle. The effects of Reynolds number and aspect ratio (AR) on the design and performance of fixed-wing vehicles are described. The boundary-layer behavior on airfoils is especially important in the design of vehicles in this flight regime. The results of a number of experimental boundary-layer studies, including the influence of laminar separation bubbles, are discussed. Several examples of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in this regime are described. Also, a brief survey of analytical models for oscillating and flapping-wing propulsion is presented. These range from the earliest examples where quasi-steady, attached flow is assumed, to those that account for the unsteady shed vortex wake as well as flow separation and aeroelastic behavior of a flapping wing. Experiments that complemented the analysis and led to the design of a successful ornithopter are also described.