Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Focus bird research on the flight of a seagull for bio-inspired ideas and design.
Goal to begin prototyping wings as soon as possible in order to begin gathering lift data from tests involving strain gauges or load cells.
Requires assembly of a testing jig that can interchange different wing designs.
This mechanical jig will simulate a wing box with a single actuator.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Drag force calculations
Seagull selected for model due to aspect ratio and size
Individual component analysis
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Design and fabricate test frame that will be able to test different wing designs. The motor and gears must be able to be adjusted for the testing jig. Have parts laser-cut by next week. (Cindy)
Investigate the need for a six degrees-of-freedom load cell for testing wing prototypes. Purchase one or borrow from UCSD. (Alonso)
Continue to research and design wing ideas and begin prototyping as soon as possible. (Kyle and Tyler)
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Met with ATA 3/30 to present research and calculations.
Advised to start focusing research on a single bird (most likely seagull) for inspiration.
Wants to see testing done using load cells or strain gauges for comparison of different designs.
Before then, met with ATA on 3/9 (week 10 of 156A)
Sponsor wanted to see further research as well as some initial force and lift calculations.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
N/A - First meeting of the quarter.
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
From risk reduction feedback, students commented that we had too many design solutions and didn't go into depth on a single one.
The beginning of this project focused mostly on idea generation, so it was expected to have multiple designs. For risk reduction, we didn't want to eliminate any possible design ideas. Since then, we have identified the more important design features, evaluated and eliminated the designs that did not fit, and combined the key aspects into several designs that we feel are worthy of fabrication and testing.
Presentation feedback also said the oral delivery of our presentation could be a bit smoother.
We share this feeling, and have decided to complete our next presentation 1-2 days sooner so that we have additional time to practice.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Material selection and possible areas of failure.
Will the designs actually work? - Fabrication and testing of prototypes will answer this question for the various designs - then test results will be compared and refinements made to narrow in on optimum wing design.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
At this time we are waiting to see if we can gain access to testing equipment and possibly the wind tunnel.
Talked to Tom Chalfant who recommended speaking to Stephen Roberts who has access to load cells
Schedule
Describe upcoming milestone
Update Gantt chart.
Meeting with Stephen Roberts
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Spent: $7.31 - Foam core, poster board, misc moc up material.
Projected upcoming: ~$30 - plastic fender, ~$50 - aluminum/acrylic stock, $TBD - Load cell sensor.
Progress on Report and Webpage
Webpage has been started - basic info sections to be finished by the end of this week.