The Ionic Drone: A plasma-assisted UAV without moving control surfaces
A. Acharya (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
L.F.L. Bruninx (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
A.E. Lang (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
O.P.R. Schreurs (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J.P. Tillie (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
T.D. Bejan (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
D. Gorovojs (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
M.M. Resink (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
S.J. Stenger (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
I. Vardanikas (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J.A. Melkert – Mentor (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)
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Abstract
The use of plasma actuators for active flow control presents an interesting option for the design of an aircraft. Plasma-actuated systems boast the opportunities of having facilitated maintenance, increased operational efficiency, and a decreased noise profile, with minimal impact on general performance. Yet, due to the novelty of the technology, the exact implementation of a 100% plasma-controlled drone is yet to be done. Group 16 was tasked with designing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which omits conventional mechanically-actuated control surfaces, and instead uses plasma actuators. This report explores the various technical and non-technical design facets of the Plasma-actuated Unmanned Light Surveillance and Eco-friendly Drone (PULSE Drone). Due to the inherent novelty in the design stages, this paper aims to explain the current PULSE Drone design and its approach such that it becomes a benchmark for future development. From the depth of explanations, this paper becomes a relevant source for future projects aiming to incorporate plasma actuators.