Project brief

The aerospace industry is rapidly evolving with the advent of novel electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This vacation work project offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge aerodynamic research on a quad-rotor tailsitter drone. As a crucial physical validation phase of an ongoing Master's research initiative, this project focuses on transitioning from theoretical computational models to real-world empirical testing.

You will be responsible for preparing and testing a scaled drone rig in the wind tunnel. The primary objective is to extract high-fidelity empirical data regarding the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the vehicle across various angles of attack and flight phases. By measuring these physical parameters under controlled conditions, we can generate and validate critical aerodynamic constants that will refine our existing MATLAB/Simulink simulations.

This hands-on project bridges the gap between mechanical design, experimental aerodynamics, and data processing. You will work closely with the lead researcher to design mounting fixtures, ensure structural integrity, execute the wind tunnel test matrix, and process the raw data. This is an immersive, fast-paced project ideal for an engineering student passionate about aerospace development.

Intended project outputs

• Technical Test Report: A concise document detailing the mechanical setup, sensor calibration procedures, execution of the test matrix, and initial data processing results. Empirical Data Set: A comprehensive, processed set of aerodynamic data (forces, moments, and calculated coefficients) extracted from the wind tunnel tests.

Scope:

Mechanical:

• Fixture Design: Design and fabricate a rigid mounting sting or fixture to interface the drone rig seamlessly with the wind tunnel's force balance.
• Variable Articulation: Ensure the mounting mechanism allows for precise adjustments of pitch, roll, and yaw angles, specifically catering to the high angles of attack required for testing transition phases.
• Structural Reinforcement: Evaluate and reinforce the current drone rig to withstand the dynamic pressures and vibration of the wind tunnel without excessive deflection or structural failure.
• Cable Routing: Integrate and route any necessary sensor or power wiring internally or cleanly along the sting so it does not introduce significant parasitic drag or aerodynamic interference.
• Safety Protocols: Implement mechanical fail-safes to ensure the rig remains tethered and secure in the event of a structural anomaly at high wind speeds.
• Stretch goal: Write my entire masters thesis for me as well :).

Skills you will develop

• Experimental Aerodynamics: Gain practical, hands-on experience with wind tunnel operation, flow characteristics, and physical force/moment measurement.
• Mechanical Design & Fabrication: Learn to design custom testing fixtures with a strict focus on structural integrity under dynamic aerodynamic loads.
• Data Acquisition & Processing: Work directly with load cells and signal processing to translate physical forces into usable mathematical constants.
• Systems Integration: Develop the ability to bridge mechanical hardware with data acquisition protocols to run a successful, reliable testing matrix.