Drone - VTOL - Aerodynamics and Flight Dynamics Team

Drone Aerodynamics Propeller Design and Placement: Design propellers optimized for energy efficiency, reduced noise, and high stability. Conduct placement studies to minimize drag and maximize thrust efficiency. Test different configurations (e.g., quad, hex, or octa) for performance improvement. Airflow Simulations and Wind Resistance Analyses: Use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to simulate airflow around the drone. Analyze drag, lift, and turbulence under various operational conditions (e.g., high speed, hovering). Optimize aerodynamic structures to ensure stability in extreme weather conditions (e.g., strong winds, heavy rain). Ammunition Dynamics Air Resistance and Stability Calculations During Release: Model the behavior of ammunition during release, focusing on minimizing drag and maintaining stability. Simulate the effect of drone movement and environmental factors (e.g., wind shear) on ammunition trajectory. Design release mechanisms that maintain consistent performance across different altitudes and speeds. Post-Launch Guidance Behavior Analysis: Analyze trajectory adjustments required for precise targeting post-release. Optimize direction and velocity calculations to account for environmental factors like wind drift or air density variations. Validate the effectiveness of guidance algorithms through real-world simulations. Required Software and Tools Aerodynamics and Simulation Tools: ANSYS Fluent: For computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of airflow and drag. XFLR5: For airfoil design and analysis, particularly for propeller and wing optimization. OpenFOAM: For open-source CFD modeling and aerodynamic simulations. Flight Dynamics Modeling: MATLAB/Simulink: For creating dynamic models of drone and ammunition flight behaviors. SolidWorks Flow Simulation: For integrating aerodynamic simulations with mechanical design workflows. 3D Modeling Software: CATIA: For designing aerodynamic surfaces and verifying mechanical compatibility. Fusion 360: For rapid prototyping of aerodynamic components. Testing and Validation: Wind tunnel data integration tools and in-field performance measurement systems. Skills and Expertise Aerodynamic Design: Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, airfoil design, and airflow behavior. Expertise in optimizing structures for reduced drag and increased lift. Flight Dynamics: Hands-on experience with trajectory analysis, velocity optimization, and stability calculations. Knowledge of how environmental factors affect drone and ammunition performance. Simulation and Validation: Proficiency in running CFD simulations and interpreting results to drive design improvements. Experience in testing designs through wind tunnels and real-world flight scenarios. Collaborative Problem Solving: Ability to work with cross-functional teams, including mechanical and guidance engineers, to integrate aerodynamic designs seamlessly. Interview Questions and Evaluation Practical Test: Ask candidates to create a CFD simulation of a drone's propeller configuration using ANSYS Fluent or XFLR5. Request an analysis of the stability of ammunition released at varying speeds and altitudes. Scenario-Based Problem Solving: "How would you optimize a drone's aerodynamic design for hovering in high-wind conditions?" "What adjustments would you make to ammunition release dynamics if the drone operates at an altitude of 2,000 meters?" Experience Discussion: Discuss previous projects involving aerodynamic optimization or flight dynamics analysis. Ask about their experience with tools and real-world validation methods.