MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF BOOMERANG DYNAMICS UNDER DIFFERENT WIND CONDITIONS

A Boomerang is an aerodynamic object that, when thrown accurately, travels along an elliptical path and returns to its origin. Mathematical modeling of a Boomerang‟s 3 - dimensional (3D) dynamics is essential for predicting its trajectory, especially under varying wind conditions. Previous studies have not fully addressed the impact of wind on Boomerang flight, presenting challenges in developing a robust model. These challenges include the Boomerang's complex shape, simplifying assumptions, and the unsteady environments in which it operates. Furthermore, the potential for Boomerangs to serve as energy-efficient alternatives to drones for certain applications has yet to be explored. Developing a validated model that accounts for initial conditions under different wind conditions is crucial to investigate this potential.  This research focuses on the mathematical modeling of a traditional "V"-shaped  Boomerang under diverse and unsteady wind environments. A traditional Boomerang was modeled using CATIA V5, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations in ANSYS 19.2 were conducted to derive aerodynamic coefficients. The resulting mathematical model was numerically simulated in MATLAB 2019 to predict the Boomerang's trajectory under various wind conditions and initial inputs. Results indicate  that both steady and unsteady wind significantly impact the Boomerang's flight path, affecting return accuracy and stability. A Boomerang launcher was designed to enable precise throws with adjustable parameters, including initial velocity, angular speed, and inclination angle, allowing for controlled  experimentation. A Boomerang prototype integrated with a microcontroller, a temperature sensor, data logger, and a battery was designed and tested in outfield conditions with  approximately steady wind. The comprehensive analysis, results from numerical simulations, and preliminary outcomes of initial prototyping of the Boomerang indicate the  potential of Boomerangs as energy-efficient areal flat form for monitoring applications. While this work presents promising findings, further experiments and detailed research are required to fully explore and validate their suitability for specific outfields applications.