Structural Vibration Analysis of UAVs Under Ground Engine Test Conditions.

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Structural integrity and performance monitoring are vital for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
• Traditional vibration monitoring systems can be costly and complex.
• Integrated, real-time data acquisition and analysis are needed for efficient UAV health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a portable, low-cost system for integrated UAV vibration data acquisition and analysis.
• To identify natural frequencies and vibration characteristics of UAV structures.
• To provide an accessible alternative to commercial vibration monitoring equipment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Raspberry Pi 4B with a MCC128 DAQ HAT card and six accelerometers for data acquisition.
• Collected ground-based engine test data at 2700 RPM.
• Processed vibration data using a Kalman filter, Hann window function, and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) for frequency analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified first and second wing bending natural frequencies at 12.3 Hz and 17.5 Hz.
• Detected a significant vibration component at 23 Hz, a subharmonic of the propulsion system frequency (approx. 45 Hz).
• Found highest vibration amplitudes concentrated at wingtips and near the engine.

Conclusions:

• The proposed system offers an accessible and flexible solution for UAV vibration monitoring.
• Integrated acquisition, processing, and real-time visualization facilitate early detection of structural anomalies.
• The system enhances UAV reliability and safety through improved structural health monitoring.