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Designs
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Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control
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Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control

A special issue of Designs (ISSN 2411-9660). This special issue belongs to the section "Vehicle Engineering Design".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 53434

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ruxandra Botez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
LARCASE-Aeronautical Research Laboratory in Active Control, Avionics and Aeroservoelasticity, Ecole de Technologie Superieure, 1100 Notre Dame West, Montreal, QC H3C1K3, Canada
Interests: aerodynamic; aeroelasticity; aeroservoelasticity; vibration; modeling and control technologies for deformable wings; active flight control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Interest in research into UAS technologies is continuously increasing worldwide because of the high potential these technologies offer in saving time, money and lives for industrial and governmental users. UAS technologies have been developed worldwide for military and civil purposes; however, it is important to continue improving these technologies. In particular, we need to improve on research into UAS technology design, modeling, simulation and control, with the final aim to increase the benefits provided for a high number of applications and users.

This Special Issue on the “Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control” will focus on publishing original manuscripts and literature review papers in the areas of UAS modeling, simulation, robust control, artificial intelligent control, design, aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, morphing systems, trajectory optimization, flight tests, wind tunnel tests, and other areas closely related to UAS technology improvement.

Prof. Dr. Ruxandra Botez
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Designs is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • UAS modeling
  • simulation
  • robust control
  • artificial intelligent control
  • design
  • aerodynamics
  • aeroelasticity
  • morphing systems
  • trajectories optimization
  • flight tests
  • wind tunnel tests

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 184 KiB  
Editorial
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control
by Ruxandra Mihaela Botez
Designs 2022, 6(5), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs6050078 - 5 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1800
Abstract
Interest in UAS technology research is continuously increasing worldwide because of these technologies’ high potential, in terms of saving time, money and lives, for industrial and governmental users [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control)

Research

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29 pages, 2521 KiB  
Article
Secured Multi-Dimensional Robust Optimization Model for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Delivery Network Based on the SORA Standard
by Armin Mahmoodi, Leila Hashemi, Jeremy Laliberté and Richard C. Millar
Designs 2022, 6(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs6030055 - 15 Jun 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2939
Abstract
The range of applications of RPAs in various industries indicates that their increased usage could reduce operational costs and time. Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPASs) can be deployed quickly and effectively in numerous distribution systems and even during a crisis by eliminating existing [...] Read more.
The range of applications of RPAs in various industries indicates that their increased usage could reduce operational costs and time. Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPASs) can be deployed quickly and effectively in numerous distribution systems and even during a crisis by eliminating existing problems in ground transport due to their structure and flexibility. Moreover, they can also be useful in data collection in damaged areas by correctly defining the condition of flight trajectories. Hence, defining a framework and model for better regulation and management of RPAS-based systems appears necessary; a model that could accurately predict what will happen in practice through the real simulation of the circumstances of distribution systems. Therefore, this study attempts to propose a multi-objective location-routing optimization model by specifying time window constraints, simultaneous pick-up and delivery demands, and the possibility of recharging the used batteries to reduce, firstly, transport costs, secondly, delivery times, and thirdly, estimated risks. Furthermore, the delivery time of the model has been optimized to increase its accuracy based on the uncertain conditions of possible traffic scenarios. It is also imperative to note that the assessment of risk indicators was conducted based on the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) standard to define the third objective function, which was conducted in a few previous studies. Finally, it shows how the developed NSGA-II algorithm in this study performed successfully and reduced the objective function by 31%. Comparing the obtained results using an NSGA-II meta-heuristic approach, through the rigorous method GAMS, indicates that the results are valid and reliable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control)
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28 pages, 4935 KiB  
Article
On the Effect of Flexibility on the Dynamics of a Suspended Payload Carried by a Quadrotor
by Renan S. Geronel, Ruxandra M. Botez and Douglas D. Bueno
Designs 2022, 6(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs6020031 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4637
Abstract
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been gaining increased importance due to their variety of applications. In some specific tasks, UAVs require the addition of payloads and onboard components, including sensors, which require great stability to provide safe and reliable responses (related to the [...] Read more.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been gaining increased importance due to their variety of applications. In some specific tasks, UAVs require the addition of payloads and onboard components, including sensors, which require great stability to provide safe and reliable responses (related to the payload characteristics, such as the temperature, pressure, vibrations and many other factors). In contrast with the suspended payloads carried by a quadrotor aircraft with a rigid attachment, an elastic attachment is designed to assess the influence of the vibration characteristics on the quadrotor and its payload. Since the payload dynamics can alter the flight performance, sensor measurement accuracy and payload integrity, an adapted sliding mode control is used to guide the quadrotor on its desired trajectory and to compensate for the payload dynamics. To reduce the need for position sensors, a reduced-dimension observer is designed to estimate the payload trajectory, as well as the external disturbance behavior. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate that the flexibility influences the quadrotor’s dynamics and can create residual oscillation on its payload. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control)
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27 pages, 10440 KiB  
Article
Optimization and Design of a Flexible Droop-Nose Leading-Edge Morphing Wing Based on a Novel Black Widow Optimization Algorithm—Part I
by Musavir Bashir, Simon Longtin-Martel, Ruxandra Mihaela Botez and Tony Wong
Designs 2022, 6(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs6010010 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5654
Abstract
An aerodynamic optimization for a Droop-Nose Leading-Edge (DNLE) morphing of a well-known UAV, the UAS-S45, is proposed, using a novel Black Widow Optimization (BWO) algorithm. This approach integrates the optimization algorithm with a modified Class-Shape Transformation (CST) parameterization method to enhance aerodynamic performance [...] Read more.
An aerodynamic optimization for a Droop-Nose Leading-Edge (DNLE) morphing of a well-known UAV, the UAS-S45, is proposed, using a novel Black Widow Optimization (BWO) algorithm. This approach integrates the optimization algorithm with a modified Class-Shape Transformation (CST) parameterization method to enhance aerodynamic performance by minimizing drag and maximizing aerodynamic endurance at the cruise flight condition. The CST parameterization technique is used to parameterize the reference airfoil by introducing local shape changes and provide skin flexibility to obtain various optimized morphing airfoil configurations. The optimization framework uses an in-house MATLAB algorithm, while the aerodynamic calculations use the XFoil solver with flow transition estimation criteria. These results are validated with a CFD solver utilizing the Transition (γ−Reθ) Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model. Numerical studies verified the effectiveness of the optimization strategy, and the optimized airfoils have shown a significant improvement in overall aerodynamic performance by up to 12.18% drag reduction compared to the reference airfoil, and an increase in aerodynamic endurance of up to 10% for the UAS-S45 optimized airfoil configurations over its reference airfoil. These results indicate the importance of leading-edge morphing in enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the UAS-S45 airfoil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control)
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25 pages, 10290 KiB  
Article
Design and Development of Unibody Quadcopter Structure Using Optimization and Additive Manufacturing Techniques
by Sagar Nvss, Balasubramanian Esakki, Lung-Jieh Yang, Chandrasekhar Udayagiri and Kameswara Sridhar Vepa
Designs 2022, 6(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs6010008 - 22 Jan 2022
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 10553
Abstract
Quadcopters represent rotary wing configuration of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with immense application potential in industrial and strategic contexts. Tradeoff between flight endurance and payload capacity renders design optimization of UAVs a critical activity with substantial impact on the application possibilities. Among [...] Read more.
Quadcopters represent rotary wing configuration of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with immense application potential in industrial and strategic contexts. Tradeoff between flight endurance and payload capacity renders design optimization of UAVs a critical activity with substantial impact on the application possibilities. Among the structural parts of a typical Quadcopter, the central body frame constitutes major portion of the total weight. The present study aims at reduction of the frame weight while conforming with structural integrity requirements, through an integrated approach involving topology optimization, part consolidation and design for additive manufacturing (DFAM). Commercial UAV designs consist of multiple parts and fastening elements that necessitate considerable time and effort for assembly. This study reengineers the frame as a monocoque structure with desirable outcomes of weight reduction and less assembly time. The reengineered Quadcopter structure is manufactured through Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and characterized with reference to structural, vibrational and fatigue characteristics. Concomitant application of modal analysis, computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing reveals close match between theoretical estimates and experimental results. Assembly and field trials of the monocoque Quadcopter structure affirm betterment of operational superiority and endurance vis-a-vis commercial UAV designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control)
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22 pages, 32222 KiB  
Article
An Improved Extended Kalman Filter for Radar Tracking of Satellite Trajectories
by Milca de Freitas Coelho, Kouamana Bousson and Kawser Ahmed
Designs 2021, 5(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs5030054 - 12 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 23003
Abstract
Nonlinear state estimation problem is an important and complex topic, especially for real-time applications with a highly nonlinear environment. This scenario concerns most aerospace applications, including satellite trajectories, whose high standards demand methods with matching performances. A very well-known framework to deal with [...] Read more.
Nonlinear state estimation problem is an important and complex topic, especially for real-time applications with a highly nonlinear environment. This scenario concerns most aerospace applications, including satellite trajectories, whose high standards demand methods with matching performances. A very well-known framework to deal with state estimation is the Kalman Filters algorithms, whose success in engineering applications is mostly due to the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Despite its popularity, the EKF presents several limitations, such as exhibiting poor convergence, erratic behaviors or even inadequate linearization when applied to highly nonlinear systems. To address those limitations, this paper suggests an improved Extended Kalman Filter (iEKF), where a new Jacobian matrix expansion point is recommended and a Frobenius norm of the cross-covariance matrix is suggested as a correction factor for the a priori estimates. The core idea is to maintain the EKF structure and simplicity but improve its accuracy. In this paper, two case studies are presented to endorse the proposed iEKF. In both case studies, the classic EKF and iEKF are implemented, and the obtained results are compared to show the performance improvement of the state estimation by the iEKF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control)
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Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research

10 pages, 8555 KiB  
Case Report
Product Tests in Virtual Reality: Lessons Learned during Collision Avoidance Development for Drones
by Volker Settgast, Konstantinos Kostarakos, Eva Eggeling, Manfred Hartbauer and Torsten Ullrich
Designs 2022, 6(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs6020033 - 1 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2652
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) and real-world simulations have become an important tool for product development, product design, and product tests. Product tests in VR have many advantages, such as reproducibility and shortened development time. In this paper, we investigate the virtual testing of a [...] Read more.
Virtual reality (VR) and real-world simulations have become an important tool for product development, product design, and product tests. Product tests in VR have many advantages, such as reproducibility and shortened development time. In this paper, we investigate the virtual testing of a collision avoidance system for drones in terms of economic benefits. Our results show that virtual tests had both positive and negative effects on the development, with the positive aspects clearly predominating. In summary, the tests in VR shorten the development time and reduce risks and therefore costs. Furthermore, they offer possibilities not available in real-world tests. Nevertheless, real-world tests are still important. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Modeling, Simulation and Control)
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