Systems Design of Multi-Rotor Aircraft

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
• Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
• Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
• Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems.
• Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• For the humanitarian aid mission design assignment students must identify key aspects of the aircraft design task and provide a written and oral summary of a complex aircraft design, making decisions about the inclusion of detail, which is heavily related to the IMechE UAS Challenge.
• The module relies extensively on labs to practice first-hand the data analysis techniques and other testing methods covered in the lectures. The skills they are taught when attending these labs are key to successfully complete the coursework (50% of the module mark).
• The humanitarian aid mission design assignment is linked to the IMechE UAS Challenge competition and is completed as a group of up to 7 students. The students undertake a self-evaluation of working strengths and weaknesses, reflecting on this to enable the appropriate division of subsystem design and systems engineering (leadership) tasks. Further self-reflection may be used to aid the marking process in terms of individual and team performance.
• As part of the module, students are exposed to the multi-faceted aspects of aero platform design and to apply an integrated approach to the solution of complex problems with diverse systems interacting.
• Students analyze and solve complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions based on the use of first principle mathematics and engineering concepts, demonstrating an ability to use engineering judgement in discussing results and understanding the limitations of their approach/technique.

* Mathematical and Aerodynamic Foundations:

• History of aircraft developments
• Types of aircraft and their flight characteristics
• Airfoil theory and practice
• Mathematics of lift and drag for rotary-wing aircraft
• Crossover platforms (compound aircraft)
• Next generation small multi-rotor aircraft

[Lab 1 – Aero Design Exercise]

[Group Meeting]

* Energy Sources:

• Fuel based heat engines
• Battery powered systems
• Hydrogen fuel cells
• Photo-Voltaic (Solar cells)
• Hybrids
• Futuristic concepts

[Lab 2 – Energy Exercise]

[Group Meeting]

* Propulsion Systems:

• Heat engines Vs BLDC motors
• Electronic speed controllers
• The rotor (propeller) conundrum

[Lab 3 – Dynamometer Test Exercise]

[Group Meeting]

* The Flight Controller:

• Introduction to the Pixhawk Flight Controller
• Interfacing sensors and actuators
• System of systems approach

[Lab 4 – Pixhawk Flight Controller Design Exercise]

[Group Meeting]

* Application Examples:

• Last-mile delivery of packages
• Economics of drone operation
• The eVTOL electric air taxi challenge

[Group Meeting]

* Rules of the Air and Regulation:

• CAA permissions
• EU regulation
• BVLOS operation (sense & avoid)

[Group Meeting]

* Societal Issues:

• Ethics of autonomous (armed) drones
• Sustainability, Synthetic Aviation Fuel, Energy Supply Chain
• Materials and recyclability
• Security of autonomous systems (spoofing, jamming and anti-drone technology)

[Group Meeting]

* Presentation and Final Report Submission :

• Group Presentations and Final Report Submission
• (Individually and Group Assessed via presentations and written work submissions).

Teaching and learning methods

A mixture of formal lectures and computing/design/fabrication labs, design exercises, and guided self-study per week. Led by FT academic staff members.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Prior, S.D. (2018). Optimizing Small Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aircraft: a practical design guide. London: Taylor & Francis (CRC).

J.G. Leishmann (2016). ‘Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics with CD Extra. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Stepniewski, W. & Keys, C. (2003). Rotary-Wing Aerodynamics. New York, USA: Dover Publications Inc..

Keane, A. J., Sóbester, A., & Scanlan, J. P. (2017). Small Unmanned Fixed-Wing Aircraft Design: A Practical Approach. London: John Wiley & Sons.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal