Mohamed El Mehdi Ouhabi: November 22, 2024 at 12:30 P.M. – ASE Grad Seminar Series
November 13, 2024
Title: Off-Board Characterization of sUAV Aerodynamics and Stability Derivatives Using Motion Tracking
Location: Walker Engineering 320
MS Teams link: Join virtually (Meeting ID: 244 655 008 923; Passcode: ARtmKF)
Affiliation: Department of Aerospace Engineering, Mississippi State University
Abstract: Off-board motion tracking has previously been established as a viable alternative to measuring aerodynamic characteristics at low Reynolds numbers, but has been restricted to glide and powered-level flight. Additionally, while aircraft stability derivatives have been measured for glide flight using motion capture techniques, similar analysis have not been conducted for powered-level flight due to the inability to actively capture control surface deflections. The aim of the current study is to establish the capability of fully characterizing aircraft aerodynamics and stability metrics across all flight modes using motion capture technology. Initial efforts were focused on a thorough investigation and validation of the system’s accuracy in measuring control surface deflections and propeller rotational velocity. Position, attitude, control surface deflection, and propeller RPM data was then captured for two sUAVs in powered level flight and analyzed. Aerodynamic forces and moments as well as linear stability derivatives were successfully determined and validated for the two sUAVs.