Session: 15-01-01: ASME International Undergraduate Research and Design Exposition

Paper Number: 145472

145472 - Unmanned Aerial System Adaptable Payload 

Currently, to test different payload configurations on an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), the system must land and be manually reconfigured. Team AeroFlex, sponsored by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC), is tasked with designing an adaptable payload that can be reconfigured in-flight to assist flight control research on the TRV-150, a tactical resupply drone. Team AeroFlex iterated through two scaled-down prototypes to create the best design to alter the Center of Gravity (CG) in-flight. The first prototype consists of a 15.5-inch by 15.5-inch by 8.0-inch box payload, which houses a moveable and interchangeable mass. The mass is displaced in the x-direction using a non-captive linear actuator and is displaced in the y-direction using an electric motor which drives a belt-and-pulley system. These two drive systems allow the mass to be displaced about the box, producing different centers of gravity to collect flight data on. Analytical analysis was conducted on the required locations for an inputted center of gravity, as well as the key features of the stepper motors that will be used in this design. Further experimental analysis of the first prototype proved the concept of using two stepper motors to adjust CG but was limited by the precision and mechanics of the belt-and-pulley system. Therefore, a second prototype was created that uses two non-captive linear actuators attached longitudinally, with one linear actuator each for the x-axis and the y-axis. Key features of this design are guide rods to add rigidity in-flight, junctions made of machined thermoplastic, a 3D printed subassembly for the two linear actuators, and a self-contained power source for both linear actuators and the microcontroller. The actuators are controlled remotely using an Arduino Rev4 Wi-Fi microcontroller while CG and Mass Moments of Inertia data are computed by MATLAB. Ground testing of the prototype is conducted to verify accuracy of the CG shift and CG range while ensuring that the payload is within the 11 lbs. payload capacity of the Aurelia X-8 Octocopter UAS that will be used for flight testing. Following ground testing, flight testing on the X-8 will be conducted to verify in-flight CG changes and usability of design remotely. Preliminary results from the ground tests show that the design gives reliable and precise CG shifts and flight testing will be used to test this reliability in-flight. The final design will be a larger version of the prototype scaled for the TRV-150, which will be used by DEVCOM AvMC for flight control testing that will benefit U.S. Army Soldiers with more reliable autonomous delivery of crucial supplies.

Presenting Author: Gunar Daniels United States Military Academy

Presenting Author Biography: Cadet Lieutenant Gunar Daniels is studying Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Aeronautical Engineering along with a minor in Russian at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. Cadet Daniels is from outside Philadelphia, where he still serves as a volunteer firefighter. At West Point, he is part of a capstone team designing an adaptable payload that can adjust its center of gravity while in flight to assist flight control research of Unmanned Aerial Systems. During his sophomore year, Cadet Daniels spent 2-weeks studying Russian language and teaching elementary students medical skills in Armenia. He also successfully completed the Army Air Assault School, studied as a semester-long exchange student at the U.S. Naval Academy his junior year, and was the commander of his company of approximately 117 other cadets. Cadet Daniels has a long-lasting passion for aviation and looks forward to commissioning as an Army Aviation officer following graduation in May of 2024.

Authors:

Gunar Daniels United States Military Academy
Luciano Borjas United States Military Academy
Connor Cavanagh United States Military Academy
Riley Furlong United States Military Academy