Abstract: In the past two decades, the world’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry has developed rapidly.Various kinds of UAVs have been used in military and civilian fields. Based on the characteristics of UAVs and the development of aerodynamics, this article analyzes the development of aerodynamic optimization design and dynamic numerical simulation technology, then lists engineering applications. Both erodynamic optimization design and dynamic numerical simulation have greatly shortened the UAV design period and reduced the research and design cost. These two methods gradually replace traditional methods such as wind tunnel test.

Key words: aerodynamic optimization design, dynamic numerical simulation, UAV