UAS Analysis The design and analysis of an unmanned aircraft’s propulsion system require the analysis of the airframe, the elements of the propulsion system, and the flight regime to understand whether a proposed design will meet the system’s desired requirements

UAS Analysis

The design and analysis of an unmanned aircraft’s propulsion system require the analysis of the airframe, the elements of the propulsion system, and the flight regime to understand whether a proposed design will meet the system’s desired requirements. From the reading, you should have a solid foundation of the elements of a propulsion system architecture and exposure to the calculations required for propulsion system analysis.

This worksheet summarizes key equations and analysis necessary to support propeller-driven systems, including reciprocating engine and electric motor powerplants, as well as thrust driven systems, such as turbojets and turboprops. Additional considerations for battery pack design is also provided.

First Group Discussion Activity

This is the start of the group project activities. You should now be in a group, and this activity will be conducted solely within your group. You will still complete the worksheet on your own and upload it within this forum, but you will see that you are now separated into groups for this activity. You will only see the other members of your group. Then you will work with your peers to solve unresolved questions. Please see the Group Activities page for more specifics on how the worksheet activities work in this module versus Module 1. 

Worksheet

Access the worksheet, M2 Propulsion Worksheet (DOCX).  Download M2 Propulsion Worksheet (DOCX). This worksheet builds upon the reading by providing a detailed walkthrough of the key equations and analysis methodologies necessary for the conceptual design of a UAS propulsion system.

It is recommended that you complete the worksheet as you review the assigned reading from Gundlach’s Designing Unmanned Aircraft Systems textbook. It provides clarity with respect to each equation’s usage and the units of measurement used by the parameters and provided by the calculation.

After each section of the worksheet, one or more problems is given for you to practice your knowledge. You can complete your work using handwritten calculations or utilize a spreadsheet. Make sure you show all work. For calculation problems done by hand, you must do your work on a separate sheet of paper and either scan or photograph (make sure all work is readable) and submit your work digitally. For spreadsheet problems, complete a worksheet for each problem and submit your spreadsheet.