Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp0108612r65b
Title: | Design, Analysis, and Flight Test of a Compact, Heavy-Lift VTOL Delivery Drone |
Authors: | McGuinness, Noah Spilker, Nathan Schochet, Noah |
Advisors: | Nosenchuck, Daniel |
Department: | Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
Certificate Program: | Robotics & Intelligent Systems Program |
Class Year: | 2021 |
Abstract: | This thesis explores the theoretical design and analysis of a serial hybrid-electric, fully-autonomous, package delivery system for midrange (250-500 mi) missions and payloads up to 25 pounds. To improve applicability without existing infrastructure, the vehicle is designed to be as compact as possible, with full vertical-takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities in a hybrid fixed-wing/tri-copter configuration. The project covers the full breadth of the design process, including initial aircraft sizing methods; propulsion, powertrain and electrical design; structural design for practical manufacture and integration; analysis of the airframe; aerodynamic analysis for stability and control; and the development of closed loop MIMO controllers for VTOL and transition flight to demonstrate controllability. Further, to explore the viability of the tri-copter configuration and prove out the VTOL control scheme, a physical scale model is constructed and flight tested. |
URI: | http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp0108612r65b |
Type of Material: | Princeton University Senior Theses |
Language: | en |
Appears in Collections: | Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 1924-2023 |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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MCGUINNESS-NOAH-THESIS.pdf | 18.19 MB | Adobe PDF | Request a copy |
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