Session: 02-06: Applications of Advanced Materials in Aerospace Applications

Paper Number: 110974

110974 - In-Flight Structural Test of a Hoverbike Using Fiber Optic Sensors 

A hoverbike or a flying motorbike is a vehicle that can fly and hover. It can be applied to various purposes because it is easy to operate. It does not need a runway and is capable of hovering from any terrain. Demand for using hoverbikes in various missions, such as transport, surveillance, reconnaissance, and infiltration, is increasing. In this paper, we deal with the design and test of the hoverbike frame structure that can maximize the payload while ensuring sufficient structural strength. KAIST is developing a hoverbike that can load up to 100 kg. The main load-bearing structure of the hoverbike under development is composed of the connected carbon pipes considering producibility. For the structural testing, Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are utilized. The FBG sensor is capable of multiplexing, in which several sensors can be placed on one optical fiber and is not affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI). Structural strength tests were conducted on the carbon pipes that were used for the manufacturing of hoverbike frames. Considering the cross-sectional shape of the carbon pipe, a 4-point bending test was performed on the y-axis and z-axis. The test results were used as strength constraints when designing the hoverbike frame structure. A scaled-down hoverbike was manufactured. When thrust was generated in the prop connected to the main motor, the dynamic characteristics of the frame was measured. FBG sensor was attached to the frame, and frequency analysis was performed by FFT transforming the frame strain data measured when thrust was applied. FBG sensor was attached to a hoverbike, and a flight test was performed assuming a rapid maneuvering situation in the roll, pitch, and yaw direction. The maximum bending load generated during rapid maneuvering was calculated using the experimentally measured frame strain data. The hoverbike frame was modeled with finite elements, and the internal load analysis was performed by assuming the flight load as a static load. Analysis were compared with flight test, and the validity of the finite element model for internal load analysis was confirmed.

Presenting Author: Yong-Ha Hwang KAIST

Presenting Author Biography: Yong-Ha Hwang. In 2017 and 2019, he received bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Korea Aerospace University. From 2019 to present, he is Ph.D student in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. His research activities are mainly related to structural analysis, design, testing. His research has also been focused on crashworthiness.