Structural evaluation of a hybrid-design unmanned aerial vehicle

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/ingenierias29.101-988

Keywords:

AG35 airfoil, agricultural UAV, aerial monitoring, additive manufacturing, structural analysis

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used in agricultural monitoring, where aerodynamic and structural performance at low Reynolds numbers is critical. This paper presents a numerical study of the AG35 airfoil applied to a fixed-wing drone. Aerodynamic analysis was conducted using numerical simulations, evaluating lift and drag coefficients at 15 m/s and angles of attack from 0° to 16°. Additionally, a finite element structural analysis was performed, and manufacturability was assessed through FDM using PLA specimens. Results indicate that the AG35 airfoil provides suitable aerodynamic performance and a viable structural response for low-cost UAVs intended for agricultural monitoring applications.

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Author Biographies

Luis Arturo Reyes Osorio, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

He holds a degree in Mechanical and Administrative Engineering, as well as M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Engineering from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL). He is a professor at FIME-UANL, where his research focuses on structures, manufacturing, and simulation. He is the leader of the Academic Body UANL-CA-378 and a member of the National System of Researchers and Researcher Candidates (SNII), Level II, with extensive scientific output, thesis supervision experience, and active participation in academic research projects.

Octavio García Salazar, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Electronic Engineer (2000) from ITL and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (2003), also from ITL. He earned a Ph.D. in Systems Control from the University of Technology of Compiègne (2009). He completed a CNRS postdoctoral fellowship at LAFMIA-CINVESTAV (2011) and served as a visiting researcher at CINVESTAV Monterrey (2012). Since January 2013, he has been a Full-Time Professor at FIME-UANL. He is a member of the National System of Researchers and Researcher Candidates (SNII), Level II, and his research focuses on drones, unmanned aerial systems, and flight dynamics.

Roberto Cabriales Gómez, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

He is a professor at FIME-UANL, specializing in heat transfer, advanced manufacturing, and electric vehicles. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) and is a member of the Academic Body in Advanced Engineering Sciences. He holds SolidWorks certifications and has experience in experimental research, numerical simulation, and technological development.

Johana Gámez Treviño , Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

She is a professor at FIME-UANL, specializing in manufacturing systems optimization and product design. Her research areas include CAD/CAE, mechanism design, reverse engineering, and mechanical properties. She develops regression models applied to engineering, contributing to the analysis, simulation, and improvement of industrial processes.

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Published

2026-07-28

How to Cite

Reyes Osorio, L. A., García Salazar, O., Cabriales Gómez, R., & Gámez Treviño , J. (2026). Structural evaluation of a hybrid-design unmanned aerial vehicle. Revista Ingenierías, 29(101), 135–146. https://doi.org/10.29105/ingenierias29.101-988