3D printing of UAV (I)

Abstract

This project is supported by Singapore Technologies (ST) Aerospace. This report will focus on the first part of the project which is to design the internal structure of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) wings based on specifications provided by ST Engineering. This report aims to deliver the process of designing a complex internal structure of the UAV wing that can be 3-Dimensionally (3D) printed without a subtractive approach that is traditionally used in manufacturing techniques. A comprehensive study of lattice structures based on past research was done and included in the Literature Review to ascertain the chosen lattice structures – kagome and honeycomb, based on their structural properties and reaction to stress applications. 3D models of the lattice structures were developed, whereby detailed drawings are included in the report. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was then used to analyse the strengths of these lattice structures using predetermined forces given by ST Engineering. In the analysis, parameters such as volume of material used was varied. To ensure further consistency in results, both the analysis of unit cells as well as the full wing were included in the analysis. To conclude the report, the final results of the analysis are presented and the final lattice structure chosen for use as the internal structure of the UAV wing. Further insights with regard to the design aspect are also provided.