HUN-REN-BME Research Group

Development of a stiff winged drone based on innovative and novel design and creation of required competences

Project ID:

2019-1.1.1-PIACI-KFI-2019-00139

Supported by:

Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH)

Term:

1 February 2020 - 31 December 2022

Supervisor (BME):

Dr. Gábor Szebényi

Participant researchers (BME):

Dr. Gábor Szebényi
Dr. Zoltán Tamás Mezey
Balázs Magyar
Viktor Hliva
Dr. Brúnó György Vermes

Consortium partners (BME):

Mould Tech Mérnöki Iroda Kft.

Project summary

Within the framework of the project, the consortium created by Mold Tech Kft. and BME will create a multi-purpose rigid wing drone based on innovative and novel solutions and the competencies necessary for the development . Mold Tech Kft. Has practical practical experience, a competitive technical development team, which has subtractive machining methods, additive manufacturing technologies and experience in topological optimization in several ways. In 2014, the company was recognized with the Deloitte Automotive Award. The other member of the consortium (BME) can ensure the level of research essential for the success of the project by building on the flight, structure knowledge and materials science competencies required for the development of drones. The consortium has state-of-the-art 3D printing, composite and metal processing technology, and the necessary aeronautical, flow and measurement technology knowledge for successful project implementation. The project will also include research on novel composite materials and their associated special layer and shell structures. Within this, a particularly important research area will be the effect of composite inerts on the structural stability of the rigid base structure, as well as the study of boundary load conditions, vibration effects and delamination. During the further flow analysis of the wing structure, we create at the final one, the optimal design, with which the development of a unique rigid wing drone that satisfies significant market needs.

Project results

Section 1

1 January 2020 - 31 December 2020

The main tasks carried out in the first phase of the project and the results achieved were as follows: Extensive material tests were performed on the composite materials used to make the drone to determine the properties of the materials that make up the laminates. From the results of the composite material tests, material cards were created for the finite element simulation. We built a finite element model to model the skeleton and shell structure of the drone. The model was validated experimentally. We assessed the possibilities of switching to resin film-based production. We have developed novel insert and insert fixation solutions using 3D printed elements.

The deformation data obtained from the validated finite element model of the first prototype drone

Section 2

1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021

In the second phase of the project, we carried out the following tasks and achieved the following results: - Optimization of the geometry and layering of the drone main beam (Chesterton). - Testing of metal-composite joints, development of bonding technology. - Study of humidity effects, fatigue tests. - Investigation of the thermal expansion of composite structures.

Bending test of drone Chesterton prototype

Section 3

1 January 2022 - 31 December 2022

In the final work phase of the project, we performed the finite element modelling of the final drone geometry and layup with the necessary validation steps. After the drone prototype was produced, a validation load test was performed to refine the finite element model.

The load testing of the drone prototype with maximal load

Project-related publications

Hliva V., Szebényi G.: Non-Destructive Evaluation and Damage Determination of Fiber-Reinforced Composites by Digital Image Correlation. Journal of Nondestructive Evaluation, 42, 43/1-43/15 (2023) 10.1007/s10921-023-00957-7
Vermes B., Czigány T.: Improving the extension–twist coupling performance of practically warpage-free laminates via layup hybridization. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 42, 131-139 (2023) 10.1177/07316844221102941 IF=3.1 Q2
Marton G. Zs., Mezey Z., Czél G.: Prepregből autoklávban gyártott kompozit lemezek rétegközi tulajdonságainak alakulása a térhálósítás során alkalmazott technológiai paraméterek függvényében. in 'XXXI. Nemzetközi Gépészeti Konferencia (OGÉT 2023) Temesvár, Románia. 2023.04.27-2023.04.30.,354-359 (2023)
Marton G. Zs., Mezey Z.: A technológiai paraméterek hatása a prepreg szerkezetek tulajdonságaira. in 'XXX. Nemzetközi Gépészeti Konferencia (OGÉT 2022) Székelyudvarhely, Románia. 2022.04.21-2022.04.24.,182-186 (2022)