Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project focuses on the design and construction of a quad rotor capable of lifting from the floor. The development of quad rotor systems has gained significant attention in recent years due to their versatility and ability to perform a wide range of tasks. The primary goal of this project is to design a quad rotor that can take off from the ground, hover at a stable altitude, and perform controlled maneuvers. The research involves the selection of appropriate materials for the frame, motors, propellers, and electronic components to ensure a lightweight yet robust construction. The design process includes the integration of a flight controller system that can stabilize the quad rotor and provide control inputs for maneuvering. The construction phase involves assembling the components, wiring the electronic systems, and testing the functionality of the quad rotor. Various factors such as weight distribution, thrust-to-weight ratio, and power consumption are considered during the design and construction phases to optimize the performance of the quad rotor. Additionally, safety measures are implemented to prevent accidents and ensure the reliability of the system during flight. The quad rotor is equipped with sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide real-time data for stabilization and control. The flight controller system processes this data and adjusts the motor speeds to maintain stability and respond to user inputs. The quad rotor is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for easy control and maneuverability for operators with varying levels of experience. Testing of the quad rotor involves initial ground tests to verify the functionality of the electronic systems and motor operation. Once the system is deemed safe for flight, a series of flight tests are conducted to evaluate the stability, maneuverability, and overall performance of the quad rotor. Data collected during these tests is analyzed to identify areas for improvement and optimization. Overall, this research project aims to design and construct a quad rotor capable of lifting from the floor, hovering, and performing controlled maneuvers. The successful completion of this project will contribute to the field of aerial robotics and provide valuable insights into the design and operation of quad rotor systems for various applications.

Project Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that does not carry a human operator. It is normally a powered aircraft that relies on aerodynamic forces to provide motion. This motion is controlled either by onboard computer (autonomous) or by remote control. Accurate methods of detecting and reacting to the UAVs environment are being developed; making some modern UAVs are virtually crash-proof (Merz & Kendoul 2013).

Quad rotors are symmetrical vehicles with four equally sized rotors at the end of four equal length rods. Early designs of quad rotors were completed in the 1920‟s by Etienne Omichen, Dr. George de Bothezat and Ivan Jerome. These designs, however, never truly grasped the attention of the public or the in case of Dr Bothezat and Jerome the military. Therefore, neither Omichen’s or Bothezat and Jerome’s were mass produced. This fact, however, does not discredit the advantages of quad rotors. Unlike their counter parts, quad rotors make use of multiple rotors allowing for a greater amount of thrust and consequently a greater amount of maneuverability. Also, the quad rotors symmetrical design allows for easier control of the overall stability of the aircraft. Each of the rotors on the quad-rotor helicopter produces both thrust and torque. Given that the front and rear motors both rotate counter-clockwise and the other two rotate clockwise, the net aerodynamic torque will be zero, as seen in Figure 1.0

Quad rotors are symmetrical vehicles with four equally sized rotors at the end of four equal length rods. Early designs of quad rotors were completed in the 1920‟s by Etienne Omichen, Dr. George de Bothezat and Ivan Jerome. These designs, however, never truly grasped the attention of the public or the in case of Dr Bothezat and Jerome the military. Therefore, neither Omichen’s or Bothezat and Jerome’s were mass produced. This fact, however, does not discredit the advantages of quad rotors. Unlike their counter parts, quad rotors make use of multiple rotors allowing for a greater amount of thrust and consequently a greater amount of maneuverability. Also, the quad rotors symmetrical design allows for easier control of the overall stability of the aircraft. Each of the rotors on the quad-rotor helicopter produces both thrust and torque. Given that the front and rear motors both rotate counter-clockwise and the other two rotate clockwise, the net aerodynamic torque will be zero, as seen in Figure 1.0