Practical analysis of performance and dynamics of a ducted fan VTOL MAV

• Main Author: Sukhdev Singh.
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Motors, engines and turbines
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/40682
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The purpose of this Final Year Project was to perform practical analysis of performance and dynamics of a ducted fan Vertical Take-Off Lift (VTOL) Micro Aerial Vehicle MAV). The approach to this project was firstly to design an experimental set-up through the use of sensors, actuators, peripherals and MATLAB Simulink software for the purpose of estimating the dynamics of the MAV. After which the performance of the MAV was optimized through modifications to its electric propulsion system. Lastly two different analysis namely the hover dynamics analysis and control surface effectiveness analysis were performed in the analysis of the dynamics of the MAV. The experimental set-up was successfully implemented wirelessly through the integration of individual wireless components through the MATLAB Simulink software. The design of the forward loop and feedback loop systems provided the flexibility and robustness in the experiment conduct for the estimation of the dynamics of the MAV. Besides the successful implementation of the experimental set-up, the MAV propulsion system was modified to a contra-rotating motor to provide sufficient static thrust to the MAV during the hover flight. This modification improved the thrust performance of the MAV and also eliminated the problem of counter torque produced by single propeller motors. The hover dynamics experiment showed that despite improvements to the dynamics of the MAV itself, the MAV exhibited divergent oscillatory characteristics. This conclusion reinforced the fact that the MAV required a stability augmentation system during the hover phase.