DESIGN CONCEPT

Based on the initial research carried out by the team a hexacopter concept was chosen to meet the
competition requirements.

The initial UAV design concept has been shown below in Figure 1. The Hexacopter’s main body is
made up of two levels of carbon fiber composite. The top level has been designed to hold the
battery for CofG considerations and electronic components to isolate from interference and
vibration. The pesticide sprinkler mechanism and tank system will be joined to the bottom level as
shown below in Figure 2.

Figure 1 – Design Concept

Figure 2
Position of landing gears will be optimized once the electronic components placement, payload size
and dimensions are determined. Further drawings of the initial design are shown in APPENDIX.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
This section aims for the design of a material efficient structure, making use of materials strengths
based on their ideal uses. For example using M3 hex head screws throughout the main structure will
allow for a strengthened and stiff structure.

LOADING:
The Hexacopter is designed to make use of carbon fiber composite materials and lightweight
plastics. The use of a tubular carbon fiber composite (OD=14mm, ID=10mm as initial sizing) will allow
the UAV to maintain a light structure weight and provide the stiffness required for this application.
The use of Nylon as support clamps allow for the UAV incredibly strong as it stiff against
compression. The Carbon tube support clamps will be held to the main frame with Nylon blocks,
which performs well under compression and are more cost efficient.
The plate material used for the body shall potentially be made of multi-directional carbon fiber
composite (T300 with 2mm as an initial sizing).Incorporated with Epoxy resin will ensure that the
fuselage sustains well under compressive loads. The plates shall contain lightening and holes for
inspection, cable routing and locking positions.

The force at the tip of each arm can be decided based upon the acceleration the UAV it designed to
achieve. Max acceleration is taken as 6g and safety factor of 1.5 for performing basic maneuvers and
acquiring stability.
MTOM x g x sf
F= 6arms

F=1 =6.9kg×1g×1.5=17.16N
6arms
F=6.9kg x 6gx1.5=103.05N
6arms
Carbon Fiber Tube Stress
The composite tube stress is calculated by using the bending moment at the last fixed position and
treated as a cantilever with a load at the free end.

Tube Tension =My= Farm x d x D/2=103 x 0.221 x0.014/2=113.98 MPa

I π (D^4-d^4) π (0.014^4 -0.010^4)

σTube_Compression =−σTube_Tension =-113.98Mpa

The peak stress for the composite tube 113.98 Mpa is very small compared to the strength of multi-
directional carbon fiber (3530 Mpa).
Additional justifications and choice of material shall be considered based on cost, load
optimization over the phase of design process.

The carbon tube shall need further analysis to determine its suitability. Buckling shall also need
to be considered and effects of compressive stress concentrations around the Nylon clamps
around the tubes.

2
APENDIX – DESIGN CONCEPT

Figure – General Isometric View of Concept

Figure - Exploded view of general concept

 Figure - Top view of concept

Figure - Side view of general concept