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Abstract
The aerodynamic properties of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a central area of research for both civilian and military applications. Extensive data has been gathered on UAV systems and control mechanisms, particularly in relation to autonomous takeoff and landing operations involving ground vehicles (GVs). However, despite the development of advanced UAV systems and control strategies to ensure successful maneuvers, significant challenges persist due to the complex aerodynamic interactions that occur during a UAV’s landing on a GV. One critical issue is the formation of the vortex ring state (VRS), which result from the interplay between three factors (i) rotor-induced airflow, (ii) the downwash from the UAV’s main body, and (iii) its descent rate. These interactions generate large vortices that can cause turbulence and instability during landing. Current research on the VRS does not sufficiently address how these structures interact with GVs to create instability during landing operations. To address this gap, this study will conduct five UAV simulations at varying descent speeds, focusing on the aerodynamic behavior of the VRS during UAV landings on a GV. The objective is to analyze the characteristics of the VRS under different conditions, offering insights to enhance the precision and safety of UAV landing maneuvers.