Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of Micro Aerial Vehicles
The above photo shows my first MAV. I spent a year modelling its subsystems, integrating them and optimizing the design before manufacturing it. Although this one was not the optimal configuration predicted by the model, it was close to it. The model predicted an endurance of 24 minutes. It flew for 19 minutes yesterday evening on a manual flight. I was elighted, primarily because 19 minutes on a 300mm fixed wing was an achievement since even the MAVs manufactured by National Aerospace Laboratories were said to clock only 25 minutes. But I later realized that I had missed the objective of the study.
MAVs, although small, are complex multidisciplinary systems and to develop optimal designs, it is necessary to model their behavior accurately. The objective of my project was not to manufacture an MAV with the highest endurance in the country but to develop a model that would accurately predict the endurance of an MAV.
Its modified version with APM 2 for autopilot
Anyways, most of the subsystems of an MAV had already been modelled. A quick glance through literature would show academic papers which provide insights into aerodynamics of various planforms shapes and sizes, interaction of propeller wash with planform aerodynamics, blade element theory for propellers, BLDC motor models, etc. All I had to do was integrate them. Two major areas relatively untouched were -
- Accurate prediction of battery discharge time without including complex battery chemistry
- Quantifying and relating quality of surveillance video with motion of MAV
These were the two fields where I contributed the most.. The entire study was condensed into a journal paper to be published in "Advances of Micro Air Vehicles in India". The paper can be viewed here.
The report submitted to the review panel of my thesis can be found here.
The report submitted to the review panel of my thesis can be found here.
The study in its initial stages was also presented at the International Micro aerial Vehicle conference 2012. The conference paper along with the presentation are given here.
