VERTIGO2 Preliminary Design Presentation

October 27, 2004

Team Members

ECE Team

Mimi Phan (ECE Team Leader)

Kevin Boyce

Jeff Laub

Tebo Leburu

Prateek Mohan

Ryan Strauss

Duroseme Taylor

Calvin Turzillo

AE Team

Nikhil NairLuke Alexander (Project Leader)

CS Team

Chris Fernando

VERTIGO² Project Manager

Luke Alexander

VERTIGO² Project Manager

Luke Alexander

ECE CoordinatorMimi Phan

ECE CoordinatorMimi Phan

Circuitry GroupKevin BoyceTebo Leburu

Prateek MohanCalvin Turzillo

Circuitry GroupKevin BoyceTebo Leburu

Prateek MohanCalvin Turzillo

Programming GroupChris FernandoPrateek Mohan

Mimi PhanRyan StraussDuro Taylor

Programming GroupChris FernandoPrateek Mohan

Mimi PhanRyan StraussDuro Taylor

Web GroupPrateek MohanRyan Strauss

Web GroupPrateek MohanRyan Strauss

Communications GroupCalvin TurzilloJeff Laub

Communications GroupCalvin TurzilloJeff Laub

Team Organization

Introduction

VERTIGO—Versatile Exploratory Robotic Tilt-rotor for Information Gathering Operations—is a small dual mode aircraft designed as a VTOL aircraft with the ability to transition to normal horizontal flight. Many different projects have been undertaken to challenge the idea of a dual mode aircraft.

The advantages of utilizing both flight modes in one aircraft can be realized with a simple understanding of helicopter aerodynamics—namely the ratio of stability to altitude.

Project Background

• Previous Accomplishment Geometric designs developed Aerodynamic models developed Completed VERTIGO prototype

airframe

• Previous Design Problems Time Insufficient tilting design Improper center of mass configuration Too heavy

Aircraft Geometry and Specifications

Tip-to-tail length: 7’2”Fuselage length: 2’10”Boom length: 3’11”Wingspan: 6’Fuselage max width: 6”Tail width: 3’1”Dihedral: 5 degrees

Airfoil section: NACA 0012

• Design and integrate a proper electrical system to ensure functionality• Design a simple, sufficient tilting mechanism for the rotor assemblies• Perform laboratory testing to verify aerodynamics and functionality• Achieve vertical flight and vertical maneuverability• Land

Objectives

Primary Objectives

Secondary Objectives

• Transition to horizontal flight via tilting mechanism• Return to vertical flight• Land without catastrophe

Concept

Vertigo concept art by Luke Alexander

Design Option 1

Microchip selectionPIC 16F Family

uses only 35 RISC instructions The 16F PIC only has 2 PWMs Maximum frequency of 20 MHz

PIC 18F FamilyPICBasic, second party software in C or Java Maximum frequency of 40 MHz consume less powerserial and I²C communication 8 PWMs built onMore memory

1 vs 2 Microchipsless power consumption weight reductionPICs communicate with one anothersimpler programming

Design Option 2 Flight control input device (RC controller vs. Laptop control)

RC ControllerPros.

Ease of control for PilotController is available from previous year’s VERTIGO

Cons.Controller needs to be re-programmed to interface with the on-board flight systemFor the above, the controller would need to be pulled apart to determine its capability.Difficult to programNo visual feedback for control of craftLimited time, Unlimited specs

Laptop & JoystickPros.

Better piloting interfaceJoystick need not be programmed as code exists on the laptopLaptop displays live video from the camera on-board the plane making piloting the craft easy

Cons.Pilot needs to be trained in joystick operationTime-lag in communication between ground station and on-board system.

Design Option 3

Flight mode transition mechanism (Linear actuator vs. stepper motor)

Specifications Summary

Taking into consideration all 3 options mentioned previously

1 PIC 18F4431 microprocessor1 433 MHz Serial Transmitter1 433 MHz Serial Receiver1 Wireless camera w/ receiver1 Ground based controller5 14.8V LiIon battery packs

Program code will be written in PICBasic Pro.TTL logic design9600 baud transfer rates across RS232 protocol

Project Budget

Item Quantity Price Cost Vendor

PIC Microcontrollers 5 $9.58 $47.90 Microchip

Serial Receiver 1 $200.00 $200.00  

Serial Transmitter 1 $200.00 $200.00  

Joystick 2 $150.00 $300.00 CompUSA or Best Buy

Software 1 $100.00 $100.00  

ECE Materials 1 $250.00 $250.00  

AE/MAE Materials 1 $200.00 $200.00

Battery Charger 1 $119.00 $119.00  

Servos 4 $40.00 $160.00 Towerhobbies.com

Geared Tilt Motor 1 $169.00 $169.00 Towerhobbies.com

Gyroscope 1 $350.00 $350.00

Motor Controls 2 $240.00 $480.00 Towerhobbies.com

Lithium Ion Batteries (per cell) 15 $15.00 $225.00 Towerhobbies.com

Communications (misc) 1 $300.00 $300.00

Printed Circuit Boards (assembled) 2 $150.00 $300.00  

$3400.90

Total budgeted hours

Name Hours Worked Hours Budgeted Percentage Worked

Mimi Phan 52.5 56 93.75%

Kevin Boyce 17.5 56 31.25%

Jeff Laub 8 56 14.3%

Tebo Leburu 19 56 33.93%

Prateek Mohan 27 56 39.58%

Ryan Strauss 17.75 56 31.70%

Duroseme Taylor 18 56 32.14%

Calvin Turzillo 25 56 44.64%

Total 184.25 448 40.16%

Questions?