Long Range Surveillance Glider

PRESENTED BY: Muhammad Ahmad FA22-BME-006 M.Wasay khalid FA22-BME-023 Syed Rehan FA22-BME-011 Muzammil Shehzad FA22-BME-013.

[Audio] The existing UAV platforms are unable to sustain long periods of time in the air because they rely on constant power sources and traditional manufacturing techniques. This makes it difficult to achieve prolonged flights. As a result, there is a need for a new type of aircraft that can fly for extended periods without the need for constant power. A thermally-soaring glider would be an ideal solution. Such a glider would use natural temperature differences to stay aloft, eliminating the need for engines or propellers. The glider could potentially fly for 10+ hours without interruption. The development of such a glider requires significant advancements in additive manufacturing technology. Additive manufacturing allows for the creation of complex geometries and structures that cannot be produced using traditional manufacturing methods. By utilizing this technology, the glider's structure could be optimized for thermal soaring, allowing it to stay aloft for longer periods. The glider's design should also take into account the materials used in its construction. The choice of material will significantly impact the glider's ability to soar thermally. Some materials may not be suitable for thermal soaring due to their high density or low thermal conductivity. In order to achieve the desired level of performance, the glider must be designed with careful consideration of aerodynamics and structural integrity. The glider's shape and size must be optimized for thermal soaring, taking into account factors such as lift, drag, and weight distribution. Furthermore, the glider's control system must be designed to accommodate the unique characteristics of thermal soaring. The control system should be able to adjust to changes in temperature and altitude, ensuring stable and controlled flight. Additionally, the glider's propulsion system, if any, must be designed to work in conjunction with the thermal soaring mechanism. The propulsion system should be able to provide a gentle boost when needed, but not interfere with the glider's ability to soar thermally. Overall, the development of a thermally-soaring glider requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving expertise from fields such as aerospace engineering, materials science, and aerodynamics. The goal is to create a glider that can fly for extended periods without the need for constant power, revolutionizing the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)..

[Audio] The proposed system will be designed using a combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) to optimize the aerodynamics and structural integrity of the glider. The design process will involve iterative refinement of the wing geometry, propulsion systems, and control surfaces to achieve optimal performance. The glider's structure will be fabricated using advanced additive manufacturing techniques to minimize material usage and maximize performance. The system will utilize a hybrid propulsion system that combines electric motors with traditional fossil-fuel-based engines. This approach will enable the glider to achieve extended endurance and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The glider's control surfaces will be designed to provide precise control and stability during flight, ensuring safe and reliable operation. The system will also incorporate advanced sensors and communication systems to enhance situational awareness and real-time data transmission..

[Audio] The sustainable development goals include industry innovation and infrastructure, climate action, and reasonable consumption and production. The project aligns with these goals by utilizing advanced engineering innovations such as UAV design and additive manufacturing. The project reduces material waste and energy/fuel dependency through thermal soaring and environmentally friendly gliders. The use of additive manufacturing represents modern industrial technology. The glider's design and functionality enable its use for environmental monitoring..

[Audio] The Clark Y airfoil has been studied extensively in literature reviews. According to Marchman & Werme (2010), wind tunnel tests confirmed that the airfoil had excellent low-Reynolds performance with a lift coefficient greater than 1.0 and low drag at Reynolds numbers ranging from 75000 to 200000. Additionally, flat-bottom geometry supports structural simplicity at the 4 m wingspan scale. Research by Ozturk et al. (2017) demonstrated that medium-endurance UAVs with a 4.0 m wingspan can achieve flight times of 5-8 hours through geometric programming optimization. The study found that high aspect-ratio wings and lightweight composite structures can balance endurance with structural integrity. Prisacariu (2021) conducted a comparative analysis using Javafoil, Profili, and XFLR5 for the Clark YH airfoil at a Reynolds number of 204000, validating simulation accuracy. The results showed that maximum lift-to-drag ratios were achieved at angles of attack between 5-7 degrees, with a maximum lift coefficient of 1.25 at an angle of attack of 13 degrees. CFD analysis framework by Prashanth et al. (2014) revealed stall angles of 22 degrees with detailed pressure and turbulent kinetic energy distributions. The K-ε model was found to accurately capture separation behavior. These findings provide valuable insights into the aerodynamic performance of the Clark Y airfoil and its potential applications in UAV design..

[Audio] The CAD model design of our thermally-soaring glider was carried out by a team of experts who have extensive experience in designing and optimizing aircraft structures. The team used specialized software to create a detailed 3D model of the glider, taking into account various factors such as aerodynamics, stability, and weight distribution. The chosen airfoil section, Clark Y, was selected based on its exceptional lift efficiency and ability to withstand high temperatures. The CAD model visualization demonstrated the optimized wing shape and T-tail configuration, which were designed to reduce drag and increase lift. The resulting 3D model highlighted the glider's sleek design and streamlined features, including a reduced wingtip vortex and improved airflow around the fuselage. The manufacturing process will utilize additive manufacturing techniques, allowing for rapid prototyping and complex geometries. The selected material, PLA Plus, offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is a sustainable choice. The CAD model design process involved several stages, including conceptualization, analysis, and optimization. The team worked closely with engineers from other companies to validate the design and ensure that it met all necessary safety standards. The final result is a glider that is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly..

[Audio] The Clark Y airfoil has been widely used in various applications such as aircraft, gliders, and model airplanes. Its design allows it to maintain excellent performance even at low speeds. The wing geometry is characterized by its flat lower surface, which makes it easy to measure the angle of attack. This feature also contributes to its stability and control. The maximum thickness is 11.9%, and the maximum camber is 5.95%. The aspect ratio (AR) is 1.11, and the optimal lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) is 32.8. The design rationale behind this airfoil is to achieve excellent performance at low Reynolds numbers, typically between 75000 and 200000. At these Reynolds numbers, the airfoil exhibits excellent characteristics, making it suitable for slow-speed surveillance. The lift coefficient increases with the angle of attack, but there is a stall angle beyond which the airflow separates from the wing surface..

[Audio] The stress-strain analysis is performed to determine the maximum stress on a structure, considering factors such as lift load, weight, and g-force. This analysis ensures that the glider can withstand various operating conditions, including turbulence and extreme weather events. Understanding the stress-strain behavior of the material allows us to optimize the design to minimize the risk of failure and maximize its lifespan. The results of this analysis inform our decisions regarding structural reinforcement, material selection, and other critical aspects of the glider's design..

[Audio] The simulations were conducted using the SOLIDWORKS simulation software, which enables accurate modeling and analysis of airflow around the aircraft. The K-ε turbulence model was employed to capture the complexities of turbulent flows, resulting in a more realistic representation of the attached flow conditions. The results showed that the glider achieved a lift coefficient of 0.95 and a drag coefficient of 0.042, yielding an impressive L/D ratio of 22.6. This indicates that the design successfully mitigated stall and maintained laminar flow at low angles of attack. Elevated kinetic energies were observed in the trailing edge, consistent with experimental data. The simulations provided valuable insights into the aerodynamic behavior of the glider, enabling refinement of the design and optimization of its performance..

[Audio] Our aerodynamic performance metrics indicate a strong lift coefficient of 1.11 at an angle of attack of 13 degrees, and a minimum drag coefficient of 0.029 at zero degrees of attack. These values demonstrate the efficiency of our wing design. Additionally, we achieved a maximum lift-to-drag ratio of 32.8 at an angle of attack of 5 degrees, showcasing our glider's ability to balance lift and drag. Furthermore, the glide ratio of 22.6 at an angle of attack of 4 degrees highlights its potential for long-range flights. To optimize endurance, we minimized the sink rate to 1.2 meters per second at an optimal glide speed of 18 meters per second. Moreover, our use of PLA+ construction resulted in a 35% weight reduction compared to traditional materials. This innovative approach enables us to create a lightweight yet robust structure. Overall, these performance parameters demonstrate the effectiveness of our design in achieving extended endurance..

[Audio] The additive manufacturing process enables the creation of complex geometries and rapid prototyping. This method uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. The layer height of 0.2mm and infill percentage of 5% are key parameters that allow for the creation of parts with excellent strength-to-weight ratios. The use of PLA Plus material provides significant weight reduction compared to traditional materials like ABS. The additive manufacturing process also improves toughness, fast printing speeds, and reduces costs. The component breakdown reveals the detailed structure of the glider, which includes wings, fuselage, tail surfaces, and hardware. The production timeline outlines the sequential steps involved in bringing the design to life, including CAD preparation and 3D printing of major components over a period of two weeks..

[Audio] The company has been working on a new project that involves developing a high-performance glider using advanced materials and technologies. The glider will have a unique design that allows it to glide long distances without the need for external power sources. The glider will also feature advanced sensors and navigation systems to enhance its performance and efficiency. The company aims to transition to advanced composite materials for improved structural efficiency and durability. Autonomous navigation with AI-driven path planning will be developed to further improve the glider's performance and efficiency. Sustainable energy solutions will be explored to minimize the glider's reliance on external power sources. These advancements will enable the glider to operate more effectively and sustainably..

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