Project Type
group
Authors' Class Standing
Devonte Grantham, Senior Shane Williams, Senior Francisco Pastrana, Sophomore Collin Topolski, Sophomore
Lead Presenter's Name
Devonte Grantham
Faculty Mentor Name
Janent Marnane
Abstract
Introduction
This project consists of building a quad-rotor that can fit in the space constraints of a rocket. Ultimately we decided to build a quad-rotor from scratch to allow for more flexibility.
Approach/Methods
All of the research conducted for this project was acquired from the website ardupilot.com and tutorial videos on YouTube. A suitable frame was selected and the quad was constructed with modifications to all the arms to fold inwards.
Results
After construction we ran into a few power problems due to throttle setting malfunctions, but we eventually fixed the problem. Upon our findings we decided to scrap the frame we had and construct a new one. Reconfiguration was successful and flight tests were conducted. All flight characteristics were phenomenal.
Conclusion
Flight test have been conducted with the new frame and the quad-rotor is flying significantly better. The next step in the research project is to implement a mechanism that will be able to push or pull the arms out to the flight position after the quad-rotor has been released from the rocket. The parachute deployment system has already been developed and tested, so arm deployment and satellite recovery will be the last portions of our research.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes
Autonomous Satellite Recovery Vehicle (Rocket-Deployed Quad-rotor)
Introduction
This project consists of building a quad-rotor that can fit in the space constraints of a rocket. Ultimately we decided to build a quad-rotor from scratch to allow for more flexibility.
Approach/Methods
All of the research conducted for this project was acquired from the website ardupilot.com and tutorial videos on YouTube. A suitable frame was selected and the quad was constructed with modifications to all the arms to fold inwards.
Results
After construction we ran into a few power problems due to throttle setting malfunctions, but we eventually fixed the problem. Upon our findings we decided to scrap the frame we had and construct a new one. Reconfiguration was successful and flight tests were conducted. All flight characteristics were phenomenal.
Conclusion
Flight test have been conducted with the new frame and the quad-rotor is flying significantly better. The next step in the research project is to implement a mechanism that will be able to push or pull the arms out to the flight position after the quad-rotor has been released from the rocket. The parachute deployment system has already been developed and tested, so arm deployment and satellite recovery will be the last portions of our research.