Propulsion

What is the Propulsion team?

We are in charge of the electric motor, NiMH/LiPo battery, Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), and Propeller(s). We optimize combinations of these components and associated calculations in MATLAB. Some design goals include: high thrust and low weight configuration, minimize take-off distance, long endurance flights, high cruise speed, and high efficiency electronics.

As a propulsion team member, you will:

• Analyze test stand data to verify expected performance of propulsion system configuration
• Solder all electronic hardware and connection that constitute the propulsion system the plane
• Utilize SolidWorks to create CAD models of motor mounts, manufactured using 3D Printing
• Calculate expected flight time, airspeed, and mission performance through MATLAB coding
• Install motor, propeller, battery, and other electronics hardware and wiring into plane fuselage;