Work

Research on the Impact of Urban Extreme Wind Fields on UAVs’ Flight Stability in Typical Scenarios

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To assess UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) flight stability in urban wind fields, this study conducted numerical simulations of urban scene and logistics UAV models and developed a wind field safety level evaluation model for UAV flight paths. First, urban wind field structures were analyzed with simulations of typical building clusters. Second, the UAV’s aerodynamic characteristics under vertical balance were elaborated. Third, sideslip angles and wind speeds were adjusted based on the UAV’s maximum wind resistance to explore aerodynamic performance variations across conditions. Finally, a safety level calculation method was proposed to determine the wind field safety distribution along target paths. The results show that building layouts significantly affect urban wind fields, forming wind acceleration zones beside high-rises and between some buildings. The acceleration effect at 25 m is stronger than at 10 m and 50 m. UAV aerodynamic moments vary greatly with wind sideslip angles, with the dangerous angle being around 150°. Flight stability and wind field structures differ notably by path and height. This evaluation method enables UAVs to avoid high-risk areas, improving urban flight stability.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16010145

Authors: Jia Liu, Yu Li, Hao Yang, Jianghao Wu, Qiulin Qu

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology, Beihang University

Language: English

Topic: Aerospace and Aviation Technology

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896