PSI - Issue 71

Prathamesh Patil et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 71 (2025) 388–394

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Fig.4. (a) Velocity Streamline; (b) Velocity Contour

4. Final Design The final design comprises a fully shielded drone frame including propeller ducts along with a payload release box using rocker slider mechanism suitable for payload capacity. The main body is designed in such a way that the components are integrated inside the frame and are smartly placed for maintaining proper wire management and ease of assembly. Carbon fiber rods are used as drone arms as well as a covering for motor ESC placed inside the drone arms to enhance the ergonomics and aesthetic features of the drone. Similarly, the top plate is designed in such a way that it integrates the Here3 GPS module inside the top plate further providing stability and protection to it.

Fig. 5. Fabricated UAV

Fig. 6. UAV during flight

5. Payload Mechanism The payload box was crafted with lightweight material of aero ply keeping in mind the flight of the drone. This mechanism provides both ease of operation and durability. To enable automatic payload release, an aero ply box was chosen for its lightweight, sturdy, and structurally stable properties. Sized at 70 mm x 70 mm with 2 mm thickness on all sides, it incorporates a slider-crank mechanism actuated by a single 30 g servo. The servo is controlled by the flight controller which operates the opening and closing of the box. A press fit action will secure the payload box to the lower plate of the drone frame. A change in the UAV’s center of gravity might cause brief instability when the payload is released due to abrupt drop in weight. In order to counter this, the onboard flight controller uses a closed loop PID controller that adjusts the motor speed using IMU feedback. With this compensation mechanism, the drone can stabilize itself after it is released. Test flights demonstrated that the UAV’s attitude is promptly corrected, maintaining its flight integrity and control precision.