Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author: A. R. Jha, Ph.D.

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2016-11-18

Total Pages: 190

ISBN-13: 1315354012

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This book provides a complete overview of the theory, design, and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles. It covers the basics, including definitions, attributes, manned vs. unmanned, design considerations, life cycle costs, architecture, components, air vehicle, payload, communications, data link, and ground control stations. Chapters cover types and civilian roles, sensors and characteristics, alternative power, communications and data links, conceptual design, human machine interface, sense and avoid systems, civil airspace issues and integration efforts, navigation, autonomous control, swarming, and future capabilities.


Book Synopsis Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by : A. R. Jha, Ph.D.

Download or read book Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles written by A. R. Jha, Ph.D. and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2016-11-18 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a complete overview of the theory, design, and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles. It covers the basics, including definitions, attributes, manned vs. unmanned, design considerations, life cycle costs, architecture, components, air vehicle, payload, communications, data link, and ground control stations. Chapters cover types and civilian roles, sensors and characteristics, alternative power, communications and data links, conceptual design, human machine interface, sense and avoid systems, civil airspace issues and integration efforts, navigation, autonomous control, swarming, and future capabilities.


Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author: A. R. JHA PH.D

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2020-06-30

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 9780367574239

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Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles provides a complete overview of the theory, design, and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles. It covers the basics, including definitions, attributes, manned vs. unmanned, design considerations, life cycle costs, architecture, components, air vehicle, payload, communications, data link, and ground control stations. Chapters cover types and civilian roles, sensors and characteristics, alternative power, communications and data links, conceptual design, human-machine interface, sense and avoid systems, civil airspace issues and integration efforts, navigation, autonomous control, swarming, and future capabilities. Features, Provides a complete overview of the theory, design, and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles, Covers the basics, including definitions, attributes, manned vs. unmanned, design considerations, life cycle costs, architecture, components, air vehicle, payload, communications, data link, and ground control stations, Discusses types and civilian roles, sensors and characteristics, alternative power, communications and data links, conceptual design, human-machine interface, sense and avoid systems, civil airspace issues and integration efforts, navigation, autonomous control, swarming, and future capabilities, The book first identifies potential commercial and military applications of these vehicles. Then it describes UAV configuration exclusively for complex military applications, including hunter-killer vehicles. The book defines the performance requirements for the onboard EO, radio-frequency (RF), and critical electronic sensor and components. This include trade-off studies on the accuracy requirements of the sensors and components to maintain normal aircraft performance with no compromise on the reliability and safety of the aircraft and its contents. The author discusses UAV navigation system and Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) requirements to ensure that automatic flight control laws are obeyed to maintain the vehicle flight traveling on the selected destination point. The focus then shifts to the propulsion systems and electrical power requirements for the operation of sensors and weapons aboard the autonomous vehicle. UAV technology is a very important and tough topic. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest UAV technology papers. This includes microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-and nanotechnology-based sensors and components for AFCS for UAV applications, the application of robotics for real-time, high-resolution simulation of autonomous vehicle dynamics. Finally, the author considers the survivability and safety of UAVs while operating in hostile regions. Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles provides a comprehensive and practical introduction to UAV system technology. Book jacket.


Book Synopsis Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by : A. R. JHA PH.D

Download or read book Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles written by A. R. JHA PH.D and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2020-06-30 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles provides a complete overview of the theory, design, and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles. It covers the basics, including definitions, attributes, manned vs. unmanned, design considerations, life cycle costs, architecture, components, air vehicle, payload, communications, data link, and ground control stations. Chapters cover types and civilian roles, sensors and characteristics, alternative power, communications and data links, conceptual design, human-machine interface, sense and avoid systems, civil airspace issues and integration efforts, navigation, autonomous control, swarming, and future capabilities. Features, Provides a complete overview of the theory, design, and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles, Covers the basics, including definitions, attributes, manned vs. unmanned, design considerations, life cycle costs, architecture, components, air vehicle, payload, communications, data link, and ground control stations, Discusses types and civilian roles, sensors and characteristics, alternative power, communications and data links, conceptual design, human-machine interface, sense and avoid systems, civil airspace issues and integration efforts, navigation, autonomous control, swarming, and future capabilities, The book first identifies potential commercial and military applications of these vehicles. Then it describes UAV configuration exclusively for complex military applications, including hunter-killer vehicles. The book defines the performance requirements for the onboard EO, radio-frequency (RF), and critical electronic sensor and components. This include trade-off studies on the accuracy requirements of the sensors and components to maintain normal aircraft performance with no compromise on the reliability and safety of the aircraft and its contents. The author discusses UAV navigation system and Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) requirements to ensure that automatic flight control laws are obeyed to maintain the vehicle flight traveling on the selected destination point. The focus then shifts to the propulsion systems and electrical power requirements for the operation of sensors and weapons aboard the autonomous vehicle. UAV technology is a very important and tough topic. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest UAV technology papers. This includes microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-and nanotechnology-based sensors and components for AFCS for UAV applications, the application of robotics for real-time, high-resolution simulation of autonomous vehicle dynamics. Finally, the author considers the survivability and safety of UAVs while operating in hostile regions. Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles provides a comprehensive and practical introduction to UAV system technology. Book jacket.


Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems

Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems

Author: Mohammad H. Sadraey

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2020-02-20

Total Pages: 664

ISBN-13: 111950869X

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to the design and analysis of unmanned aircraft systems with a systems perspective Written for students and engineers who are new to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle design, this book teaches the many UAV design techniques being used today and demonstrates how to apply aeronautical science concepts to their design. Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems covers the design of UAVs in three sections—vehicle design, autopilot design, and ground systems design—in a way that allows readers to fully comprehend the science behind the subject so that they can then demonstrate creativity in the application of these concepts on their own. It teaches students and engineers all about: UAV classifications, design groups, design requirements, mission planning, conceptual design, detail design, and design procedures. It provides them with in-depth knowledge of ground stations, power systems, propulsion systems, automatic flight control systems, guidance systems, navigation systems, and launch and recovery systems. Students will also learn about payloads, manufacturing considerations, design challenges, flight software, microcontroller, and design examples. In addition, the book places major emphasis on the automatic flight control systems and autopilots. Provides design steps and procedures for each major component Presents several fully solved, step-by-step examples at component level Includes numerous UAV figures/images to emphasize the application of the concepts Describes real stories that stress the significance of safety in UAV design Offers various UAV configurations, geometries, and weight data to demonstrate the real-world applications and examples Covers a variety of design techniques/processes such that the designer has freedom and flexibility to satisfy the design requirements in several ways Features many end-of-chapter problems for readers to practice Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems is an excellent text for courses in the design of unmanned aerial vehicles at both the upper division undergraduate and beginning graduate levels.


Book Synopsis Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems by : Mohammad H. Sadraey

Download or read book Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems written by Mohammad H. Sadraey and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2020-02-20 with total page 664 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides a comprehensive introduction to the design and analysis of unmanned aircraft systems with a systems perspective Written for students and engineers who are new to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle design, this book teaches the many UAV design techniques being used today and demonstrates how to apply aeronautical science concepts to their design. Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems covers the design of UAVs in three sections—vehicle design, autopilot design, and ground systems design—in a way that allows readers to fully comprehend the science behind the subject so that they can then demonstrate creativity in the application of these concepts on their own. It teaches students and engineers all about: UAV classifications, design groups, design requirements, mission planning, conceptual design, detail design, and design procedures. It provides them with in-depth knowledge of ground stations, power systems, propulsion systems, automatic flight control systems, guidance systems, navigation systems, and launch and recovery systems. Students will also learn about payloads, manufacturing considerations, design challenges, flight software, microcontroller, and design examples. In addition, the book places major emphasis on the automatic flight control systems and autopilots. Provides design steps and procedures for each major component Presents several fully solved, step-by-step examples at component level Includes numerous UAV figures/images to emphasize the application of the concepts Describes real stories that stress the significance of safety in UAV design Offers various UAV configurations, geometries, and weight data to demonstrate the real-world applications and examples Covers a variety of design techniques/processes such that the designer has freedom and flexibility to satisfy the design requirements in several ways Features many end-of-chapter problems for readers to practice Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems is an excellent text for courses in the design of unmanned aerial vehicles at both the upper division undergraduate and beginning graduate levels.


Unmanned Aerial Systems

Unmanned Aerial Systems

Author: Anis Koubaa

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2021-01-21

Total Pages: 652

ISBN-13: 0128202777

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Unmanned Aerial Systems: Theoretical Foundation and Applications presents some of the latest innovative approaches to drones from the point-of-view of dynamic modeling, system analysis, optimization, control, communications, 3D-mapping, search and rescue, surveillance, farmland and construction monitoring, and more. With the emergence of low-cost UAS, a vast array of research works in academia and products in the industrial sectors have evolved. The book covers the safe operation of UAS, including, but not limited to, fundamental design, mission and path planning, control theory, computer vision, artificial intelligence, applications requirements, and more. This book provides a unique reference of the state-of-the-art research and development of unmanned aerial systems, making it an essential resource for researchers, instructors and practitioners. Covers some of the most innovative approaches to drones Provides the latest state-of-the-art research and development surrounding unmanned aerial systems Presents a comprehensive reference on unmanned aerial systems, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and recent research trends in the area


Book Synopsis Unmanned Aerial Systems by : Anis Koubaa

Download or read book Unmanned Aerial Systems written by Anis Koubaa and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2021-01-21 with total page 652 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Unmanned Aerial Systems: Theoretical Foundation and Applications presents some of the latest innovative approaches to drones from the point-of-view of dynamic modeling, system analysis, optimization, control, communications, 3D-mapping, search and rescue, surveillance, farmland and construction monitoring, and more. With the emergence of low-cost UAS, a vast array of research works in academia and products in the industrial sectors have evolved. The book covers the safe operation of UAS, including, but not limited to, fundamental design, mission and path planning, control theory, computer vision, artificial intelligence, applications requirements, and more. This book provides a unique reference of the state-of-the-art research and development of unmanned aerial systems, making it an essential resource for researchers, instructors and practitioners. Covers some of the most innovative approaches to drones Provides the latest state-of-the-art research and development surrounding unmanned aerial systems Presents a comprehensive reference on unmanned aerial systems, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and recent research trends in the area


Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author: A. R. Jha Ph.D

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2016-11-18

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 1498715435

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This book provides a complete overview of the theory, design, and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles. It covers the basics, including definitions, attributes, manned vs. unmanned, design considerations, life cycle costs, architecture, components, air vehicle, payload, communications, data link, and ground control stations. Chapters cover types and civilian roles, sensors and characteristics, alternative power, communications and data links, conceptual design, human machine interface, sense and avoid systems, civil airspace issues and integration efforts, navigation, autonomous control, swarming, and future capabilities.


Book Synopsis Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by : A. R. Jha Ph.D

Download or read book Theory, Design, and Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles written by A. R. Jha Ph.D and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2016-11-18 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a complete overview of the theory, design, and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles. It covers the basics, including definitions, attributes, manned vs. unmanned, design considerations, life cycle costs, architecture, components, air vehicle, payload, communications, data link, and ground control stations. Chapters cover types and civilian roles, sensors and characteristics, alternative power, communications and data links, conceptual design, human machine interface, sense and avoid systems, civil airspace issues and integration efforts, navigation, autonomous control, swarming, and future capabilities.


Small Unmanned Aircraft

Small Unmanned Aircraft

Author: Randal W. Beard

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2012-02-26

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 1400840600

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Autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) are critical to current and future military, civil, and commercial operations. Despite their importance, no previous textbook has accessibly introduced UAVs to students in the engineering, computer, and science disciplines--until now. Small Unmanned Aircraft provides a concise but comprehensive description of the key concepts and technologies underlying the dynamics, control, and guidance of fixed-wing unmanned aircraft, and enables all students with an introductory-level background in controls or robotics to enter this exciting and important area. The authors explore the essential underlying physics and sensors of UAV problems, including low-level autopilot for stability and higher-level autopilot functions of path planning. The textbook leads the student from rigid-body dynamics through aerodynamics, stability augmentation, and state estimation using onboard sensors, to maneuvering through obstacles. To facilitate understanding, the authors have replaced traditional homework assignments with a simulation project using the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Students begin by modeling rigid-body dynamics, then add aerodynamics and sensor models. They develop low-level autopilot code, extended Kalman filters for state estimation, path-following routines, and high-level path-planning algorithms. The final chapter of the book focuses on UAV guidance using machine vision. Designed for advanced undergraduate or graduate students in engineering or the sciences, this book offers a bridge to the aerodynamics and control of UAV flight.


Book Synopsis Small Unmanned Aircraft by : Randal W. Beard

Download or read book Small Unmanned Aircraft written by Randal W. Beard and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2012-02-26 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) are critical to current and future military, civil, and commercial operations. Despite their importance, no previous textbook has accessibly introduced UAVs to students in the engineering, computer, and science disciplines--until now. Small Unmanned Aircraft provides a concise but comprehensive description of the key concepts and technologies underlying the dynamics, control, and guidance of fixed-wing unmanned aircraft, and enables all students with an introductory-level background in controls or robotics to enter this exciting and important area. The authors explore the essential underlying physics and sensors of UAV problems, including low-level autopilot for stability and higher-level autopilot functions of path planning. The textbook leads the student from rigid-body dynamics through aerodynamics, stability augmentation, and state estimation using onboard sensors, to maneuvering through obstacles. To facilitate understanding, the authors have replaced traditional homework assignments with a simulation project using the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Students begin by modeling rigid-body dynamics, then add aerodynamics and sensor models. They develop low-level autopilot code, extended Kalman filters for state estimation, path-following routines, and high-level path-planning algorithms. The final chapter of the book focuses on UAV guidance using machine vision. Designed for advanced undergraduate or graduate students in engineering or the sciences, this book offers a bridge to the aerodynamics and control of UAV flight.


Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author: Rogelio Lozano

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2013-02-04

Total Pages: 280

ISBN-13: 1118599861

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This book presents the basic tools required to obtain the dynamical models for aerial vehicles (in the Newtonian or Lagrangian approach). Several control laws are presented for mini-helicopters, quadrotors, mini-blimps, flapping-wing aerial vehicles, planes, etc. Finally, this book has two chapters devoted to embedded control systems and Kalman filters applied for aerial vehicles control and navigation. This book presents the state of the art in the area of UAVs. The aerodynamical models of different configurations are presented in detail as well as the control strategies which are validated in experimental platforms.


Book Synopsis Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by : Rogelio Lozano

Download or read book Unmanned Aerial Vehicles written by Rogelio Lozano and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2013-02-04 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents the basic tools required to obtain the dynamical models for aerial vehicles (in the Newtonian or Lagrangian approach). Several control laws are presented for mini-helicopters, quadrotors, mini-blimps, flapping-wing aerial vehicles, planes, etc. Finally, this book has two chapters devoted to embedded control systems and Kalman filters applied for aerial vehicles control and navigation. This book presents the state of the art in the area of UAVs. The aerodynamical models of different configurations are presented in detail as well as the control strategies which are validated in experimental platforms.


Advances in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Advances in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author: Kimon P. Valavanis

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2008-02-26

Total Pages: 552

ISBN-13: 1402061145

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The past decade has seen tremendous interest in the production and refinement of unmanned aerial vehicles, both fixed-wing, such as airplanes and rotary-wing, such as helicopters and vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. This book provides a diversified survey of research and development on small and miniature unmanned aerial vehicles of both fixed and rotary wing designs. From historical background to proposed new applications, this is the most comprehensive reference yet.


Book Synopsis Advances in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by : Kimon P. Valavanis

Download or read book Advances in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles written by Kimon P. Valavanis and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2008-02-26 with total page 552 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The past decade has seen tremendous interest in the production and refinement of unmanned aerial vehicles, both fixed-wing, such as airplanes and rotary-wing, such as helicopters and vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. This book provides a diversified survey of research and development on small and miniature unmanned aerial vehicles of both fixed and rotary wing designs. From historical background to proposed new applications, this is the most comprehensive reference yet.


Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice

Author: Management Association, Information Resources

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2019-05-03

Total Pages: 558

ISBN-13: 1522583661

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First used in military applications, unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming an integral aspect of modern society and are expanding into the commercial, scientific, recreational, agricultural, and surveillance sectors. With the increasing use of these drones by government officials, business professionals, and civilians, more research is needed to understand their complexity both in design and function. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice is a critical source of academic knowledge on the design, construction, and maintenance of drones, as well as their applications across all aspects of society. Highlighting a range of pertinent topics such as intelligent systems, artificial intelligence, and situation awareness, this publication is an ideal reference source for military consultants, military personnel, business professionals, operation managers, surveillance companies, agriculturalists, policymakers, government officials, law enforcement, IT professionals, academicians, researchers, and graduate-level students.


Book Synopsis Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice by : Management Association, Information Resources

Download or read book Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice written by Management Association, Information Resources and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2019-05-03 with total page 558 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: First used in military applications, unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming an integral aspect of modern society and are expanding into the commercial, scientific, recreational, agricultural, and surveillance sectors. With the increasing use of these drones by government officials, business professionals, and civilians, more research is needed to understand their complexity both in design and function. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice is a critical source of academic knowledge on the design, construction, and maintenance of drones, as well as their applications across all aspects of society. Highlighting a range of pertinent topics such as intelligent systems, artificial intelligence, and situation awareness, this publication is an ideal reference source for military consultants, military personnel, business professionals, operation managers, surveillance companies, agriculturalists, policymakers, government officials, law enforcement, IT professionals, academicians, researchers, and graduate-level students.


Design Optimization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Design Optimization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author: Athanasios Papageorgiou

Publisher: Linköping University Electronic Press

Published: 2019-11-13

Total Pages: 99

ISBN-13: 917519001X

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Over the last years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gradually become a more efficient alternative to manned aircraft, and at present, they are being deployed in a broad spectrum of both military as well as civilian missions. This has led to an unprecedented market expansion with new challenges for the aeronautical industry, and as a result, it has created a need to implement the latest design tools in order to achieve faster idea-to-market times and higher product performance. As a complex engineering product, UAVs are comprised of numerous sub-systems with intricate synergies and hidden dependencies. To this end, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) is a method that can identify systems with better performance through the concurrent consideration of several engineering disciplines under a common framework. Nevertheless, there are still many limitations in MDO, and to this date, some of the most critical gaps can be found in the disciplinary modeling, in the analysis capabilities, and in the organizational integration of the method. As an aeronautical product, UAVs are also expected to work together with other systems and to perform in various operating environments. In this respect, System of Systems (SoS) models enable the exploration of design interactions in various missions, and hence, they allow decision makers to identify capabilities that are beyond those of each individual system. As expected, this significantly more complex formulation raises new challenges regarding the decomposition of the problem, while at the same time, it sets further requirements in terms of analyses and mission simulation. In this light, this thesis focuses on the design optimization of UAVs by enhancing the current MDO capabilities and by exploring the use of SoS models. Two literature reviews serve as the basis for identifying the gaps and trends in the field, and in turn, five case studies try to address them by proposing a set of expansions. On the whole, the problem is approached from a technical as well as an organizational point of view, and thus, this research aims to propose solutions that can lead to better performance and that are also meaningful to the Product Development Process (PDP). Having established the above foundation, this work delves firstly into MDO, and more specifically, it presents a framework that has been enhanced with further system models and analysis capabilities, efficient computing solutions, and data visualization tools. At a secondary level, this work addresses the topic of SoS, and in particular, it presents a multi-level decomposition strategy, multi-fidelity disciplinary models, and a mission simulation module. Overall, this thesis presents quantitative data which aim to illustrate the benefits of design optimization on the performance of UAVs, and it concludes with a qualitative assessment of the effects that the proposed methods and tools can have on both the PDP and the organization.


Book Synopsis Design Optimization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by : Athanasios Papageorgiou

Download or read book Design Optimization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles written by Athanasios Papageorgiou and published by Linköping University Electronic Press. This book was released on 2019-11-13 with total page 99 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over the last years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gradually become a more efficient alternative to manned aircraft, and at present, they are being deployed in a broad spectrum of both military as well as civilian missions. This has led to an unprecedented market expansion with new challenges for the aeronautical industry, and as a result, it has created a need to implement the latest design tools in order to achieve faster idea-to-market times and higher product performance. As a complex engineering product, UAVs are comprised of numerous sub-systems with intricate synergies and hidden dependencies. To this end, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) is a method that can identify systems with better performance through the concurrent consideration of several engineering disciplines under a common framework. Nevertheless, there are still many limitations in MDO, and to this date, some of the most critical gaps can be found in the disciplinary modeling, in the analysis capabilities, and in the organizational integration of the method. As an aeronautical product, UAVs are also expected to work together with other systems and to perform in various operating environments. In this respect, System of Systems (SoS) models enable the exploration of design interactions in various missions, and hence, they allow decision makers to identify capabilities that are beyond those of each individual system. As expected, this significantly more complex formulation raises new challenges regarding the decomposition of the problem, while at the same time, it sets further requirements in terms of analyses and mission simulation. In this light, this thesis focuses on the design optimization of UAVs by enhancing the current MDO capabilities and by exploring the use of SoS models. Two literature reviews serve as the basis for identifying the gaps and trends in the field, and in turn, five case studies try to address them by proposing a set of expansions. On the whole, the problem is approached from a technical as well as an organizational point of view, and thus, this research aims to propose solutions that can lead to better performance and that are also meaningful to the Product Development Process (PDP). Having established the above foundation, this work delves firstly into MDO, and more specifically, it presents a framework that has been enhanced with further system models and analysis capabilities, efficient computing solutions, and data visualization tools. At a secondary level, this work addresses the topic of SoS, and in particular, it presents a multi-level decomposition strategy, multi-fidelity disciplinary models, and a mission simulation module. Overall, this thesis presents quantitative data which aim to illustrate the benefits of design optimization on the performance of UAVs, and it concludes with a qualitative assessment of the effects that the proposed methods and tools can have on both the PDP and the organization.