AeroDundee IMechE UAS Challenge Project

Overview

We are Haggis Aerospace, a devoted group of undergraduate students at The University of Dundee and a part of the Aeronautical Society, Members include mechanical engineers and computing students united by a genuine passion for engineering and innovation. Our primary goal is to offer inventive solutions for unmanned aircraft systems to support humanitarian missions through the international IMechE UAS challenge. The challenge entails the design and production of a UAS capable of autonomous payload delivery, coordinated and waypoint navigation, as well as image recognition and search mission capabilities. Thanks to RS Components through the Grassroots fund we are able to take this project further than before this year. 

Objectives

The challenge entails the design and production of a UAS capable of autonomous payload delivery, coordinated and waypoint navigation, as well as image recognition and search mission capabilities. With a rich history of five years in the competition, we were honoured with the Business Proposition Award in 2019. Despite facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the closure of our workshop, we successfully crafted a VTOL tilt-wing UAS in 2021 (shown below). This drone can deliver parcels weighing up to 2 kg and earned us the title of the top team from the UK and 4th overall in the virtual competition.

This year our main objective, with the use of carbon fibre spars, Birchwood and heat shrink wrap we are designing a new much lighter model. 

Methodology 

In our small but impactful team, every contribution holds significance, and we owe our achievements to the support we received from the Grassroots fund. Building upon the skills developed over the years, we are now gearing up to design a new and improved model this year. Our focus is on enhancing quality and complexity by incorporating advanced materials such as carbon fibre and employing new manufacturing methods. With preliminary calculations completed and the CAD design nearly finalised, we are on the verge of commencing the manufacturing phase.

With the use of a CNC laser cutter, Ribs made from balsa wood sheets will be laser cut out at varying sizes to create the desired shape of our wings and rudder. After this is all assembled, it will be wrapped with heat shrink wrap. 

With the use of a CNC router, the hub which is used to hold together the carbon fibre spars will be milled. Below shows a simulation of the forces applied using ANSYS Software and the 3D model. 

Product

With the use of the Grassroots fund, we will be buying the required nuts, bolts, hex keys and threaded insert tool for the assembly of the carbon fibre spars and hub, sets of PPE for new members of AeroDundee and hand-held electric drill to lower the assembly time at the main competition. 

Next Steps 

The model's structure and design have reached an advanced stage of conceptualization. Following the submission of the concept report and receipt of feedback, the team is actively involved in the 3D CAD modelling process, incorporating the received feedback. Once the 3D CAD modelling is completed, the simulation phase will initiate, followed by the manufacturing and assembly processes, and ultimately concluding with the testing phase in time for entering the competition in July. 

For progress updates on our model, feel free to follow us on:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerodundee/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerodundee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aerodundee/

Again, thanks to RS Grassroots for helping us make our project come to life.