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Transition of Quadcopter Box-wing UAV between Cruise and VTOL Modes

Gupta, Gaurang
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7393-3141
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin153538165533359

Abstract Details

2018, MS, University of Cincinnati, Engineering and Applied Science: Aerospace Engineering.
The aim of this thesis is to present an algorithm for autonomous control of a quadcopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, (UAV), equipped with a box-wing, which is capable of transition between hover and forward flight mode. In particular, this re- search work describes position and attitude control in such a quadcopter equipped with a wing. UAVs perform missions which require efficient operation in both hover and forward flight. This project discusses the incorporation of these two different flight modes in one single aircraft. The quadcopter UAV equipped with a box-wing is a structural advancement of traditional quadcopter and it provides improved cruising efficiency of the aircraft during flight. In conventional quadcopter, the two diagonally opposite propellers rotate in clockwise direction and other two propellers rotate in counter clockwise direction to balance the effective yawing moment of the system. The variation in rotational speeds of the four propellers, is utilized for maneuvering and achieving the desired transition from hover to cruise by pitching the aircraft by almost 90 degree or vice-versa. The proposed UAV is equipped with a box-wing and quadcopter in `X’ configuration, with gross takeoff weight of around 2 kg. The aerodynamic characteristics of the box-wing are estimated through a series of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. A new PID control strategy is developed using the linearizing technique of non-linear governing equations of motion, which works towards achieving stable transition between hover and forward flight modes with as less oscillations as possible. MATLAB simulations of these maneuvers are performed which have successfully shown the ability to achieve desired attitude along with performing hover, transition and roll maneuvers. A model is constructed to test and validate the newly developed control strategy and its ability to achieve desired altitude and perform various maneuvers as listed above. The box-wing is fabricated out of foam using hot-wire cutting method and the quadcopter frame sits right on the top of the leading edges of the upper and the lover wing. The control hardware is placed in the center of the frame, which is considered to be the body center and is located not far away from the center of mass of the entire system. The entire control strategy is developed around this body center. Overall, the quadcopter equipped with a box-wing, has proven to be an efficient and effective multi-role vehicle. This vehicle type is valuable from a commercial standpoint of view as it offers high maneuverability with small payload delivery capabilities.
Shaaban Abdallah, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Kelly Cohen, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Manish Kumar, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
103 p.
Aerospace Materials
quadcopter; transition; tail-sitter; boxwing; UAV; biplane

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Gupta, G. (2018). Transition of Quadcopter Box-wing UAV between Cruise and VTOL Modes [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin153538165533359

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Gupta, Gaurang. Transition of Quadcopter Box-wing UAV between Cruise and VTOL Modes. 2018. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin153538165533359.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Gupta, Gaurang. "Transition of Quadcopter Box-wing UAV between Cruise and VTOL Modes." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin153538165533359

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin153538165533359
334
© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.