2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

An Independent Study Course for a Multi-Rotor Design and an Endurance Record

Presented at Multidisciplinary Engineering Division (MULTI) Technical Session 3

This paper presents a student-led initiative to extend the flight endurance of multi-rotor aircraft, guided by a team of instructors. This venture stands distinct as it targets surpassing the existing world record for flight time in small multi-rotor autonomous aircraft. The investigative approach involved an analysis of the current record-holder's design, focusing on potential improvements in battery technology, motor efficiency, structural design, and rotor blade aerodynamics. Amidst a rapidly evolving drone technology landscape, this endeavor holds promise. The narrative highlights the student's educational journey, supported by testimonials and educational insights from the academic advisors, illustrating the pedagogical value and the innovative potential of hands-on, goal-oriented academic projects.

Authors

Dr. Stephen Andrew Wilkerson P.E. York College of Pennsylvania [biography]

Stephen Wilkerson (swilkerson@ycp.edu) received his PhD from Johns Hopkins University in 1990 in Mechanical Engineering. His Thesis and initial work was on underwater explosion bubble dynamics and ship and submarine whipping. After graduation he took a
Yargo Teixeira Gomes de Melo York College of Pennsylvania
Alex Suarez York College of Pennsylvania [biography]

Senior Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Student with a background in UAV technologies.

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