Application of the contact and non-contact measuring techniques for on-ground resonance testing of the mini-UAV

Purpose The paper describes the application of two different vibration measurement methods for the identification of natural modes of the miniature unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The purpose of this study is to determine resonant frequencies and modes of mini-airplane within the specified range of frequency values. Design/methodology/approach Special measuring equipment was used including both contact and non-contact techniques. The measuring systems on equipment of the Institute of Aviation Technology in the Faculty of Mechatronics, Armament and Aerospace of Military University of Technology (Warsaw, PL) were used to conduct measurements. In traditional ground vibration testing (GVT) methods a large number of sensors should be attached to the aircraft. The weight of sensors and cables is negligible in relation to the mass of the large aircraft. However, for small and lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles, this could bring a significant mass component in relation to the total mass of the tested object. Findings The real mini-UAV construction was used to investigate its resonant modes in the range of frequencies between 0 and 50 Hz. After receiving the output values it is possible to perform some flutter calculations within the range of operational velocities. As there is no certainty that the computed modes are in accordance with those natural ones some parametric calculations are recommended. Modal frequencies depend on structural parameters which are quite difficult to identify. Adopting their values from the reasonable range it is possible to assign the range of possible frequencies. The frequencies of rudder or elevator modes are dependent on their mass moments of inertia and rigidity of controls. The critical speeds of tail flutter were calculated for various combinations of stiffness or mass values. Practical implications In this paper, some specific techniques of performing the GVT test were presented. Two different measuring methods were applied, i.e. the contact method and the non-contact method. Using the dedicated apparatus in relation to the mini-airplane, properly prepared in terms of mass distribution, rudders deflection stiffness and proper support, some resonant characteristics can be determined. The contact measuring system consists of a multi-channel analyzer, piezoelectric accelerometers, electrodynamic exciters, amplifiers, impedance heads and a computer with the Test.Lab Software. As the non-contact method, a laser scanning vibrometer was used. The principle of its operation is based on the separation of the emitted laser beam. The returning beam reflected from a vibrating object is captured by the camera and compared to the reference beam. Dedicated software analyzes collected data and on the basis of it creates animations of structural vibrational shapes and spectral plots within the investigated frequency range. Originality/value The object used for research is the mini-UAV Rybitwa – composite mini-plane with a classic aerodynamic layout manufactured in Institute of Aviation Technology Military University of Technology. In the work, both measurement methods and some sample results were presented. Results referenced to dynamic properties of the mini-UAV can be applied in the future for its finite element model tuning, what would be useful for the needs of some parametric analyzes in case of some UAV modifications because of its structural or equipment modifications.