Overall iteration design of a new concept wing disk solar-powered aircraft

Abstract

A new layout using wing disk solar aircraft concept with several wings around the disk fuselage is proposed in the research. The wings and fuselage can both provide lift during the overall rotation and forward flying. Propellers at the outer end of the wings are used to overcome the resisting moment, cyclical changes in the power forces, and deflection angle of ailerons to overcome the drag and roll torque in forward flight, which can also control the position and attitude. Aerodynamic analysis is developed based on rotor blade element theory and CFD method. The energy absorption and consumption and weight estimate of each subsystem are taken into account, and an optimization is laid out to meet the cruising flight requirement by iterative design.