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Final Elective
Final Elective
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
AeE-402 ELECTIVE 2
BSAero- 3202
SUBMITTED BY:
MANZANILLA, BERNARD L.
MOSCA, KENETH V.
SUBMITTED TO:
DATE
22 / MAY / 2024
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City,
Batangas, Philippines, 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121/2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph |Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
One of the most important parts of an aircraft is the flight control system. One of the key
roles of the flight control system is to control the movement of the aircraft and ensure the safety
and stability of the aircraft during flight and in different phases of flight. In this study we will
delve deeper into the control system of a primary flight control which is the flaps. The main
objective of the study is to develop an enhanced Airbus A320 wing flap through integrating
Ultrasonic sensor systems in the control mechanism to automatically change the flap position
based on wing-to-ground distance in NACA 63A210. These flaps will greatly affect the aircraft’s
landing and takeoff performance as flaps affect the lift and drag during this phase of flight. In
this study the system utilizing the ultrasonic sensor as its detector will continuously measure or
monitor the distance of the aircraft from the surface. When the distance between the ground and
the aircraft falls below the range of the sensor the servo will adjust the flaps accordingly. If the
flap is so close to the ground the flaps will be deployed to improve the lift during take-off and
add drag during landing phase. Conversely when the aircraft is in its cruising phase the flaps
retract as it gains altitude and that will reduce the drag. The outcome of the study would serve as
critical information for the advancement of aircraft’s flap system and further innovation by the
future researchers.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City,
Batangas, Philippines, 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121/2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph |Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
1.1 Introduction
There is no doubt that control systems are quite important in the realm of aviation,
particularly when it comes to the operation of aircraft wing flaps. The performance and safety of
an aircraft are directly impacted by these systems, which also have an effect on the aircraft's
equilibrium, maneuverability, and overall efficiency. Traditional control systems frequently rely
on either manually entered sequences or sequences that have been pre-programmed, neither of
which may be the most effective for all flight conditions. In recent years, technological
breakthroughs have made it possible to create control systems that are more sophisticated and
sensitive. These new possibilities have been made possible by the opening of new doors. A
real-time control system for wing flaps has been created by the integration of ultrasonic sensors
and servo motors. This is one example of an advancement similar to this. There is the potential
for ultrasonic sensors to provide real-time data regarding the closeness of objects. These sensors
are able to calculate distance based on the amount of time it takes for sound waves that have
been emitted to return. Servo motors, which are able to rotate to particular angles, are able to
modify the position of the wing flaps based on the data that is provided. The purpose of this
research is to investigate the possibilities that such a system could offer, with a particular
emphasis on the incorporation of ultrasonic sensors and servo motors into a wing structure that is
modeled after the Airbus A320 concept. The objective is to create a prototype that exhibits the
practicability and efficiency of this real-time control system for wing flaps while also
demonstrating its practicality. This endeavor marks a significant step forward in the realm of
aviation technology, and it has the potential to contribute to improvements in both the safety of
flights and the efficiency of airplane operations. A deeper dive into the particulars of the problem
statement, the approach that has been suggested, and the outcomes that are anticipated from this
project will be presented. This project is going to be an intriguing examination of the interface of
This study aims to determine the enhancement of the aircraft performance through
improved wing flap control mechanism outfitted with Ultrasonic sensor through Arduino Coding
1. To identify the necessary materials and applications needed for the project execution of
2. To design a wing flap control mechanism for Airbus A320 using Arduino
microcontrollers and coding integrated with Ultrasonic sensors alongside with NACA
63A210 airfoil.
3. To develop an enhanced Airbus A320 wing flap through Ultrasonic sensor systems in the
distance.
4. To conduct testing for the established Wing Flap Design on the performance evaluation
such us responsiveness and accuracy using Ultrasonic Sensor and Servo Mechanism.
The following are the definitions of the specialized terms used in the research.
still one of the most popular and widely used aircraft in the world, useful for short- and
medium-haul travel. In this study, implementing such a system on the Airbus A320
Airfoil. It is a form intended to provide lift when air passes over it is called an
airfoil. Airfoils are essential parts of an aircraft's wings, tail, and control surfaces in
aviation. It can regulate airflow in a way that creates a pressure difference between the
upper and lower surfaces, which results in lift. In this study, NACA 63A210 airfoil was
hardware platform and designed to control the circuit logically. In this study, the Arduino
Uno is proposed to logically control the integration of ultrasonic sensors and servo
autonomously adjusts a system to uphold a specified state or set point without the need
Jumper Wires. A type of electrical connection that does not use soldering
Servo Motor. A servo motor is a highly accurate and effective tool utilized for
integrates a standard motor with a feedback sensor and a dedicated controller, creating a
closed-loop mechanism that adapts according to the target position. In this study, it
responds to commands from the control system to adjust the flaps to the precise angle and
nearby object's distance from 2cm to 450 cm. This sensor uses sound waves to detect and
locate objects within its vicinity. In this study, real-time data from ultrasonic sensors is
used to make sure the flaps are deployed correctly and to make necessary adjustments
based on conditions.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City,
Batangas, Philippines, 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121/2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph |Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
Wing Flap. A wing flap is a movable surface located on the trailing edge of an
aircraft wing. It is primarily utilized during takeoff and landing to change the
aerodynamic profile of the wing, increasing lift and drag. In our project, an ultrasonic
sensor senses the proximity of an object and modifies the flap angle in real time. The
The design procedure for the Motion Sense Flaps system involves the creation of a
prototype that integrates Ultrasonic sensors with servo mechanisms, controlled by an Arduino
microcontroller, to simulate the motion control of flaps on an Airbus A320. This prototype
utilizes simple materials, such as styrofoam, for constructing the wings and control surfaces.
The design process initiates with design conceptualization, which involves brainstorming
ideas to integrate Ultrasonic sensors and servo motors for controlling the aircraft flaps. Initial
sketches and conceptual designs are developed to visualize the system's overall architecture.
Following this, the component selection phase involves choosing appropriate materials and
electronic components, including styrofoam for the structural elements, Ultrasonic sensors for
proximity detection, servo motors for actuation, and an Arduino microcontroller for system
control.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City,
Batangas, Philippines, 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121/2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph |Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
In the 3D modeling and prototype design phase, detailed models of the wings and flap
mechanisms are created. This step ensures precise design and placement of mounting points for
sensors and motors. The subsequent circuit design and integration step involves designing the
electronic circuit that integrates Ultrasonic sensors with the Arduino and servo motors. A
Next, the programming and testing phase involves writing and testing the Arduino code
(Fig. 5). This code processes signals from the Ultrasonic sensors and controls the servo motors to
move the flaps. Initial testing is conducted with individual components to ensure proper
functionality. Once the code is verified, the prototype assembly phase begins. This involves
cutting and shaping styrofoam to form the wings and control surfaces, assembling the structure,
and attaching the servo motors and sensors according to the circuit diagram.
Finally, the final testing and calibration phase involves comprehensive testing of the fully
assembled prototype. This ensures that the sensors and servo motors work as expected.
Calibration is performed to adjust sensor sensitivity and servo positions for accurate flap control.
This iterative process ensures that the prototype operates reliably and meets design
specifications.
The figure above demonstrates a closed-loop system with an Arduino Uno acting as the
central controller. It has servo mechanisms for accurate flap adjustments and ultrasonic sensors
for real-time position feedback. With this configuration, motion sense flap performance will be
The figure above depicts the void setup is used to define the non loop variables and
parameters. This is where we list down all the components and their connected pins. Void loop is
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City,
Batangas, Philippines, 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121/2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph |Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
where we input the desired command like duration and distance. We also use the if and else loop
to add condition to the system, so that we can show an accurate angle deflection of the flaps
The fabrication process begins with material preparation, where styrofoam sheets are
acquired and prepared for cutting. Ensuring the availability of all electronic components,
including Ultrasonic sensors, servos, and the Arduino microcontroller, is crucial at this stage.
During the wing and flap construction phase, a cutter tool is used to shape the styrofoam into
wings and flaps. Slots are designed and cut out for mounting the servo motors and sensors.
In the circuit assembly phase, electronic components are soldered onto a breadboard or
PCB following the circuit schematic. Each connection is tested for continuity and proper
function. The mechanical integration phase involves mounting the servo motors onto the wing
structure and connecting the flaps to the servos using linkages. This step ensures the mechanical
The sensor installation phase secures the Ultrasonic sensors at designated positions on the
wings, ensuring proper orientation for motion detection and connectivity to the Arduino. After
assembling all components, the initial testing phase begins, where the system is powered on, and
the Arduino is checked to verify input reception from the Ultrasonic sensors and response from
The testing procedures commence with system calibration, where the sensitivity of the
Ultrasonic sensors is adjusted to avoid false triggers, and the servo angles are calibrated for
smooth and accurate flap movements. This phase ensures that the system's response is consistent
and reliable. Functional testing follows, simulating various motion scenarios to evaluate the
system's performance. During this phase, response times and the accuracy of the flap movements
are recorded.
Finally, final adjustments are made based on the results of the functional testing. Any
necessary modifications are implemented to enhance system reliability and performance. This
comprehensive testing ensures that the Flaps system operates effectively under different
By adhering to this detailed design and fabrication process, the Advance flaps system
prototype can be developed and tested thoroughly, ensuring its functionality and demonstrating
1.7 Conclusion
In conclusion, the final project was a useful tool for learning about wing flap
performance and control systems. It is a challenging task to implement the improved flap control
system. Developing a new control system for the Airbus A320 wing flaps with the NACA
63A210 airfoil was the goal of the research, which will enhance the aircraft's performance
overall. The Prototype testing revealed that the control system improves efficiency, safety and
reliability. With the system, the aircraft performed better on takeoff and landing because the wing
flaps were automatically adjusted according to the aircraft's altitude. The wing flap control
Beyond the shadow of a doubt, If there is no control system to calibrate and adjust for the
desired needs of the aircraft wings it would be a total disaster to even fly above the sky at all.
This research brings light on how a simple mechanism works all throughout. By establishing a
hinged type of wing flaps with a servo attachment and mechatronics control system the airplane
wing could easily divert to necessity. Regardless of hardship towards creating a prototype due to
material selection, multiple ideas, control servo mechanism and arduino coding and other tasks it
was fun and nice to gain comprehension and understand how things work in the simplest way
possible.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City,
Batangas, Philippines, 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121/2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph |Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
The project concludes the applicability of Sensors and Control Systems most especially
in the field of engineering. These are integrated in different systems that ensure proper
functionality of products according to their design specifications. The mechanisms of wing flaps
and how they are able to change deflection was demonstrated through the simple prototype
giving us a basic understanding of how Servo and Arduino operate. Knowledge about writing
codes and design conceptualization including material specification are also important aspects to
consider for an engineering innovation, such as to recreate a model that represents the working
principle of motion control for different aircraft control surfaces. Furthermore, this also
highlighted the effectivity of Ultrasonic Sensors in determining obstacle proximity which can be
Our final laboratory project, "Airbus A320 using NACA 63A210," focused on the design
and implementation of a wing flap control system. Because of its moderate thickness, the NACA
63A210 airfoil was used in our project since it offered an aerodynamic profile that was
well-balanced and appropriate for our goals. Our study’s main objective was to assess how well
closed-loop control systems perform when it comes to maximizing flap angle and deflection
during different stages of flight through ultrasonic sensor. By using this method, we were able to
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City,
Batangas, Philippines, 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121/2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph |Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
guarantee accurate and quick control, which improved the aircraft's wing flaps' overall
performance and stability. Through this project, we gained valuable insights into control systems,
focusing specifically on the operational aspects of flap control without detailed aerodynamic
mechanisms in real-time flight, advancing our understanding of control systems and providing a
The final project is primarily about the creation of a miniature design of Airbus A320’s
flaps using the open-source program known as Arduino as the digital backbone of the design.
Based on this final project two things can be concluded (1) the design of the aircraft is a major
factor to consider in the creation of the aircraft primarily because our group came up with
numerous design and materials considerations in the making of the aircraft flaps. And (2) the
importance of electronics or in this case, control systems engineering in every aspect of life
especially in our field of study, as seen through our group trying to make the flaps move in a very
specific way and angle by using our knowledge of control systems engineering and Arduino. In
summary, it can be said that control systems engineering is a very important aspect of our field of
study since some of the things that we do revolve around and depend on its concepts and
principles.
Manzanilla, Bernard L.
flap control mechanism for the Airbus A320 using ultrasonic sensors and servo motors,
system can dynamically adjust flap positions to optimize lift and drag during various flight
phases, enhancing takeoff and landing performance while reducing drag during cruising. The
prototype, developed through a detailed design and testing process, showcases significant
potential for improving aircraft safety and efficiency. Future research should focus on rigorous
to ensure reliability and functionality under diverse conditions. Additionally, the iterative design
process and comprehensive documentation of this study provide a solid foundation for further
enhancements and broader applications in the aviation industry. This innovative approach not
only advances current aviation technology but also contributes valuable insights to the scientific
Mosca, Keneth V.
The enhanced flap control system demonstrated several key benefits. The designed wing
flap control mechanism for Airbus A320 displays a successful system in the scaled model as the
flaps respond to the distance of the aircraft to ground. This indicates an optimized performance
as it adjusts the flaps position accordingly. The mechanism optimizes the performance in critical
phases of the aircraft when we test the scaled model it responds to the distance of the surface,
when the surface is close to the aircraft it deploys the flaps making it effective in reducing the
take-off and landing distance, leading to more efficient flight. During the cruising flight the
scaled model is far from the surface simulating the aircraft with high altitude, the system retracts
the flaps since it is not needed, this minimizes the drag during cruise phase. By definition a
reduced drag means lower fuel consumption and indicates that the system contributes to fuel
efficiency of the aircraft. In summary, the study finds that using the system will greatly enhance
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City,
Batangas, Philippines, 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121/2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph |Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
the aerodynamic performance of the flaps and the fuel efficiency of the aircraft; these
As a conclusion, the integration of ultrasonic sensors and servo motors into a wing
structure that is modeled after the design of the Airbus A320 is an exciting development in the
world of aviation design technology. A real-time control system for wing flaps is the goal of this
project, which has the potential to increase both the safety of flight and the efficiency of flying.
Both the successful incorporation of this mechanism into the architecture of the aircraft and its
ability to effectively regulate the wing flaps in real time based on the proximity of objects are the
problems that need to be overcome. In spite of this, it is possible to overcome these problems by
conducting exhaustive tests, employing an iterative design approach, and giving careful
potential of advanced control systems in improving aircraft performance, the results of this study
could make a substantial contribution to the ongoing efforts to develop aviation technology.
Because of this, the project has a lot of potential to contribute to the development of aviation
1.8 Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, several recommendations are
proposed to further enhance the Flaps system and explore its potential applications.
conduct exhaustive testing of the system under a variety of conditions. These conditions include
varying flight speeds, altitudes, and object proximities. The iterative design technique is advised
because of the difficulty involved in incorporating ultrasonic sensors and servo motors into the
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City,
Batangas, Philippines, 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121/2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph |Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
construction of a wing. In order to attain the highest potential level of performance, this means
repeatedly creating, testing, evaluating, and refining the system. Temperature, humidity, and
ambient noise are examples of environmental elements that should be taken into consideration
during the design and testing of the system. These conditions have the potential to influence the
performance of ultrasonic sensors. Failure-safe mechanisms that are able to manage any faults in
the sensor or motor system should be included in order to prevent any unwanted impacts on the
operation of the aircraft. Safety should be the major focus when creating this system, and it is
advised that fail-safe procedures be created. It is advised that any future enhancements and new
features be investigated after the prototype has been successfully constructed and tested.
Integration of more types of sensors and enhancement of the system's response time. In
conclusion, the documentation of the entire process and the dissemination of the findings to the
wider scientific community have the potential to make a contribution to the expanding body of
REFERENCES
Sahin, O. (2022). The effects of flap extension time on the fuel burn of commercial aircraft.
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, 94(10), 1825–1833.
https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat-05-2021-0148