Design and Manufacture of a Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

In this work, a micro coaxial unmanned aerial vehicle (MUAV) was developed to monitor and acquire data in dangerous environments where the departure velocity is crucial to mission success. The manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by fused deposition modeling (FDM) is increasing rapidly due to its low cost and ease of fabrication of intricate parts. FDM is an interesting and challenging area of vehicle component manufacture, with a goal of achieving optimal mechanical properties while preserving the lowest possible weight. This study involved the three-dimensional (3D) design, manufacture, and assembly of a MUAV with a coaxial configuration. The design was based on the intended electronics, propulsion system, and simulated aerodynamics. A numerical procedure was used to ensure the optimal size of the aerodynamic surfaces while preserving structural stability. The parameters selected for 3D printing and the preparation of a suitable assembly are discussed here. Finally, a preliminary flight test including a commercial flight computer with a basic proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller validated the proposed vehicle. The FDM parameters described here can be replicated for any rapid prototype aerial vehicle reaching a stable structure with different purposes.