Structural Optimization of Frame of the Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle through Computational Structural Analysis

Abstract

Because of the flexible working nature, the Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MR-UAV) has been implemented in all kinds of real-time complicated problems. Due to this huge implementation, flawless UAVs have been required and used everywhere. Even though flawless UAVs have emerged, some of the domains in UAVs need to be analysed thoroughly to evolve UAVs without life affecting factors. This work deals with such kind of domain, which is a multi-objective investigation on MR-UAV’s airframe. In which, five different prime MR-UAV’s airframes are constructed, modelled, and computationally solved for three major composite materials and one conventional material. The important selection factors involved in this multi-objective optimization are low-stress induction, less deformation, and high lifetime. The short-listed five platforms of this structural optimization are the “X” frame, “I” frame, “K” frame, “Z” frame, and “+” frame. All these frames are computationally investigated with incorporate the following materials and their relevant mechanical properties: GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer), CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer), KFRP (Kevlar Fiber Reinforced Polymer), and Aluminium Alloy. Apart from these fundamentals, the involvement of tools and their justifications are played a predominant role in this work. The major tools contributed are CATIA for modelling, ANSYS Workbench for Structural computations. The grid convergence test has been organized in a good manner to validate involved computational procedures. Finally, the suitable MR-UAV”s airframe and it opts material are obtained based on the multi-objective selection factors.