A Utah State University researcher has created a free online 3-D design program that generates aerodynamic data for aircraft design.

Doug Hunsaker, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at USU, says the software program, called MachUp, offers aerodynamic information about a user's aircraft design. The program is available at aero.go.usu.edu and operates on multiple browsers and on many platforms including smartphones and tablets. The site also features training tutorials and how-to videos.

Doug Hunsaker, USU.According to Hunsaker, the software will give startup drone companies the tools needed to design efficient and safe small autonomous aircraft. MachUp lets users design an aircraft while the software calculates aerodynamic information about that design, subsequently generating lift, drag, stability, and trim data for any design that’s put into it.

MachUp uses 3-D web graphics to render images in a browser, relying on a dedicated server to perform complex aerodynamic computations. The software could prove to be a valuable resource for companies developing small autonomous aircraft. Most software tools capable of calculating aerodynamic data are available only for expensive licensing fees.

Drones have already found applications in industries including agriculture, research, cinematography, and data delivery. As applications expand, a variety of drones will be needed to perform a variety of tasks, meaning a wider variety of designs will be needed.