Experimental Characterization of Composite-Printed Materials for the Production of Multirotor UAV Airframe Parts

Abstract

In this paper, the characterization of 3D-printed materials that are considered in the design of multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for specialized purposes was carried out. The multirotor UAV system is briefly described, primarily from the aspect of system dynamics, considering that the airframe parts connect the UAV components, including the propulsion configuration, into a functional assembly. Three additive manufacturing (AM) technologies were discussed, and a brief overview was provided of selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and continuous fiber fabrication (CFF). Using hardware and related software, 12 series of specimens were produced, which were experimentally tested utilizing a quasi-static uniaxial tensile test. The results of the experimental tests are provided graphically with stress–strain diagrams. In this work, the focus is on CFF technology and the testing of materials that will be used in the production of mechanically loaded airframe parts of multirotor UAVs. The experimentally obtained values of the maximum stresses were compared for different technologies. For the considered specimens manufactured using FDM and SLS technology, the values are up to 40 MPa, while for the considered CFF materials and range of investigated specimens, it is shown that it can be at least four times higher. By increasing the proportion of fibers, these differences increase. To be able to provide a wider comparison of CFF technology and investigated materials with aluminum alloys, the following three-point flexural and Charpy impact tests were selected that fit within this framework for experimental characterization.

Enhancing Material Design for Structural Applications: Investigating the Durability of Woven Kenaf/Unidirectional Glass Roving Reinforced Hybrid Pultruded Composites

“…In addition, a comprehensive weight and cost assessment highlights the beneficial potential of incorporating plant fibres into pultruded profiles, contributing to lightweight structural components while reducing raw material costs. This may be particularly relevant for the use of these components in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) [45][46][47] or unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) [48][49][50] construction. Together, these results highlight the complex interaction between fibre composition, hybridisation and resultant mechanical properties, providing valuable insight into the strategic design and optimisation of pultruded profiles.…”

Power Sources for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A State-of-the Art

“…An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also referred to as a flying robot or drone, possesses the ability to operate independently or under remote control for specific missions [1]. In recent times, UAVs have garnered considerable attention as a result of advancements in microprocessors [2,3] and artificial intelligence (AI) [4][5][6][7], sensors [8][9][10][11][12][13][14], and the design [15][16][17][18] and manufacturing process [16][17][18][19][20], facilitating the creation of intelligent UAVs. The term "intelligent UAVs" refers to these drones' capacity to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, making real-time decisions based on data from their sensors and AI algorithms.…”

Effect of Atmospheric Conditions on the Tightening Behaviour of HV Galvanised Bolts in Structural Bolt Sets

“…Standardised bolt sets are most commonly used to create bolted connections for which preloading is required [1][2][3]. They are used to join not only steel, but also composite [4,5] or additively manufactured [6,7] components. Among the most advanced sets are HV high-strength bolt sets [8], which can be used in a wide range of structures exposed to various, including aggressive, environmental conditions.…”