A comparative study of aerodynamic characteristics of conventional and multi-lobed airships

Aerodynamic investigations are crucial for the efficient design of Lighter-than-Air (LTA) systems. This study explores the aerodynamic characteristics of conventional and multi-lobed airships, motivated by the growing interest in LTA systems due to advancements in materials science, energy sources, aerodynamics, propulsion technology and control systems. The study employs the k-epsilon turbulence model, which is well-suited for turbulent flow simulations, and the Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equations (SIMPLE) algorithm, known for its effectiveness in pressure-velocity coupling in fluid dynamics simulations. The results indicate that multi-lobed airships offer enhanced aerodynamic efficiency over conventional designs. Detailed analyses of lift and drag coefficients provide insights into aerodynamic performance, guiding the optimisation of airship designs for improved efficiency. The findings of this study support the development of more aerodynamically efficient airship designs, which can serve as cost-effective, energy-efficient and quieter alternatives to traditional aircraft, particularly for applications such as surveillance, cargo transport and scientific research.