The objective of this project is to design a device to streamline the development and validation of UAV design through automating center of gravity and mass moment of inertia testing.
Sponsored by: Lockheed Martin
Team Members
Griffin Roth James Connelly Aidan McCarthy Aryan Mehta Rocco Ragonese Jason Wedzielewski
Instructor(s): Paul Mittan
Project Poster
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Project Video
Project Summary
Overview
Lockheed Martin posed the challenge of creating a UAV Mass Properties Testing Apparatus (UAV MPTA) that could measure a UAV’s mass moments of inertia (MMI), center of gravity (CoG), and weight accurately and efficiently. During the development of UAVs, the device can provide quality control and design validation. Ensuring accurate measurements, staying within financial limits, and smoothly integrating hardware and software components were the main obstacles.
Objectives
– Create a working UAV mass properties testing device that satisfies Lockheed Martin’s specifications.
– Provide precise MMI and CoG measurements for UAVs weighing up to 150 lbs.
– Design a rigid structure capable of supporting pendulum motions of full-scale models taking into account the resonant frequency and displacement under stress.
– Maintain complete adherence to the project criteria while staying within the $1,250 budget.
Approach
Gathering requirements: Updated key performance metrics and gathered client needs from the sponsor’s Statement of Work (SOW).
Concept Development: CAD and conceptual models were made, and concepts were iterated via many prototypes.
Material Selection: For the structural frame, aluminum T-slots were selected, and their strength was confirmed by simulations. Additionally, 3-D printing materials were selected based on the structural integrity required by the piece (PETG vs. PLA).
Testing and Prototyping:
– Three prototypes with gradual design enhancements were created.
– Included an LCD, keypad, load cells, and a gyroscope to facilitate user engagement and precise measurement.
– Utilized university fitness facilities to perform load cell calibration tests with barbell weights for their standard geometric forms to validate performance.
Software Development: System programming was done using the Arduino IDE to transfer to a Teensy 4.1, which allowed for data output through an LCD interface, CoG and MMI computations from sensor readings, and output to a microSD card for storage purposes.
Analysis and Validation:
– To confirm the structural and functional integrity, stress, displacement, and oscillation frequency were simulated.
– Conducted trade investigations to choose the best sensors and our microcontroller.
– Used simple geometry models to test sensor readings and output values to build up to testing a more complex design
Outcomes
– Provided a compliant UAV MPTA on time and within budget, with a $71.89 excess.
– Improved understanding of electronics integration, additive manufacturing, and prototyping, and offered insights for future initiatives.
– Rigid pendulum attachments, better sensors, and increased structural stiffness for upcoming improvements were among the recommendations for future enhancement.
– Strong conceptual model, but sensors within budget lack calibration and error percentage to reach accurate results for industry use.