Design, modeling and control of a lightweight 3D printed fixed wing VTOL UAV

Abstract

This thesis covers topics in additive manufacturing (AM), dynamic modeling and control of fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (VTOL UAVs). For AM, a guideline for AM of aircraft wings is developed. Two design methodologies were considered, namely a conventional design using ribs-spar-skin and an unconventional design using skin-periodic cellular structures. For a conventional rib-spar structure, the effects of skin thickness, number of ribs, additive building as well as printing orientations on the wing strength and weight are investigated. Among the obtained wing structures, the best performing wing configuration, i.e., a combination of number of ribs, skin thickness, printing and building orientations, is selected based on weight and strength. This selected structure is manufactured and I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my advisor Professor Basman Elhadidi for his guidance and instruction during my doctoral study. In the time of being his student, I have learned many different aspects of aerodynamics, aircraft control and design, but, most importantly, he has changed my understanding of research and helped me to develop a new way of thinking and attitude toward academics. I am also grateful for his patience and support during hard times. He has always been approachable, especially when I did not know where to look for a solution. I deeply appreciate his enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience which helped me to receive constructive feedback and suggestions. Secondly, I would like to thank my co-supervisor Associate Professor Erdal Kayacan for showing me different subjects of graduate level research. I appreciate his efforts and motivation to improve the publicity of my work. Also, I am grateful Dr. Chen Songlin for his valuable suggestions at the beginning of my study in NTU. Thirdly, I would like to thank Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) for their support and giving me the opportunity to conduct my research. Without their support, I would not be able to be a part of such a high quality research environment. Last but not least, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my wife, my parents, my brother and my friends for being supportive, encouraging and patient during my studies.