Current Updates are in BOLD
MAXDrones
Tuesday, 6pm @ 104 Talbot
MAXDrones is a tech project that focuses heavily on computer science and its application to aerospace engineering, specifically to the control of drones. It is our mission to expose undergraduate students to interdisciplinary engineering practices to achieve the goal of autonomous drone flight. We will explore exciting concepts such as real-time systems, sensors, and computer vision to accomplish our mission. The MAXDrones team has made it their long-term goal to achieve autonomous object tracking, and is working with Python this semester to achieve fundamental drone control.
MAXDrones is currently focused on how to reduce the error they receive while turning the drone. They have been focused on different Python scripts to calculate the angle at different times and compare that to their expected angle. They are now working to apply their data to reduce their error.
FPV Systems
Wednesday, 7pm, @ 206N Talbot
First-person view (FPV) is a method used to control a radio-controlled quad-copter from the pilot’s perspective. The goal of this year’s AIAA FPV Technical Team is to create a modular live video feed system that will allow us to fly an RC aircraft from the pilot’s point of the view. We will accomplish this using a Gear 360 camera which will allow us to record stunning 360 degree video and then view it in first person via a VR headset.
FPV Systems is currently working on printing and assembling the frame for their quadcopter. They are done with their CAD and are ready to move on to mounting the motors.
JetCat Jet Engine
Tuesday, 7pm @ 319N Talbot
The JetCat Team works with a JetCat P140-RX, a high-performance, RC, turbojet engine employed on high-end model aircraft. We have a variety of projects intended to improve the performance and safety of the engine, including: designing and analyzing exhaust nozzles using CAD and CFD software, designing and constructing an engine test stand and engine guard, and researching methods to automate the engine’s operation. This project is hands-on work with a technical foundation, and is a great chance to develop mechanical and fluid dynamical knowledge.
JetCat unfortunately has run into an issue with the glow plug inside the engine, and have sent it back for maintenance. In the meantime they are working on some new nozzles to try and reduce or remove a shock wave from inside the nozzle.
Hexrotor
Tuesday, 7pm, @ 206N Talbot
The goal of the hexrotor project is to produce a modular design multirotor that can be used as a development platform for a variety of hardware and software applications. Our maiden flight is scheduled for mid October, and we plan to explore a variety of computer visualization, advanced telemetry, and autonomous control projects once our hexacopter can fly.
HexRotor is currently working to test the behavior of their autopilot. They have just finished rewiring their drone to make flight safer and more efficient. They are also hoping to add an FPV camera to their copter soon.
Engineering Open House Projects
Monday, 7pm @ 206N Talbot
In this group we will work on developing projects and exhibits to display at EOH in Spring 2017.