Development of a multi-rotor UAV : structural material & key component analysis

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has been widely adopted in the world in for both military and commercial applications. These applications range from high performance surveillance missions, to passenger-carrying autonomous air vehicle. There has been a rising demand for such light-weight air vehicle as a transport solution due to unpredictable congestion on the ground. The novel design of the multi-rotor quadcopter is the results of various professional inputs. Material selection plays an important role in enabling a stronger yet lighter material which could potentially help to enhance its flight performance and characteristics. Advance composite material, CFRP M21 was chosen as the prime material for the aircraft due to its formidable mechanical properties. To ensure the structural integrity of an aircraft, analysis on critical components can allow the prediction of material failure in stress concentrated areas. For instance, such areas include the undercarriage and the internal structure of the wing, where they are constantly subjected to surface and body forces. Analysis performed on the landing gear suggest no material failure, but effects of linear-buckling are observed. Wing structure of the novel design was analysed and showed forms of material failure in load-bearing members. The addition of a gussets stiffener or reinforcing element can be added to boost strength, or transmit loads to promote a more uniform distribution of stresses.