UkrainianProfessional Education

Abstract

The results of a study on the aerodynamics of solid-state transport models using thermographic diagnostics are presented. The feasibility of employing the portable thermal imager Flir One Pro combined with a smartphone is substantiated as an affordable and mobile tool for analyzing thermal fields that emerge during hot-air flow around scaled models. The methodology involves surface heating with a construction hairdryer followed by visualization of temperature distribution as thermal maps, which with certain assumptions reflect zones of increased aerodynamic drag. The objects of study included scaled models of a bus and unmanned aerial vehicles, manufactured from polystyrene and plasticine. Qualitative analysis of thermal images allowed the identification of critical frontal resistance areas linked to geometric shaping features, particularly in the nose section, wing–fuselage junctions, and protruding structural elements. Several optimization recommendations are outlined, including nose reshaping, cabin volume reduction, body contour smoothing, and modifications of engine nacelles. The findings demonstrate that even under field conditions, designers can obtain rapid visual “feedback” regarding the efficiency of conceptual solutions without wind tunnel testing. The technique is suitable for iterative improvement of transport forms in the early stages of design, when resource efficiency and development speed are crucial. The integration of thermography with computer-aided modeling suits (e.g., SolidWorks, T-Flex, Elcut) is highlighted for developing more energyefficient and ergonomic transport concepts. The study fills a gap in literature, where systematic descriptions of thermographic methods in conceptual transport design have been lacking, and defines directions for integrating thermal imaging into industrial design practice

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