Course-Based Research Assignment: Material Characterization of Common Wood Materials Used for Small- to Medium-Sized UAV Construction (AE 510)

Abstract

This assignment was created for AE 510: Aerospace Materials and Processes which is a senior-level capstone class, but this project could be adapted for a sophomore or junior level class in mechanics or materials. Students were asked to determine the strength and stiffness of several wood materials that are used in the construction of small- to medium-sized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This project was presented within the context of a larger class assignment to design and build a UAV wing, and the results from the experimental work were to be used in the sizing of the wing as mechanical properties of wood are often hard to come by. The primary objective of this assignment was to provide students with an opportunity to gain experience in experimental research. Students were asked to design the experiment, including 1) specifying test specimen dimensions, 2) identifying necessary measurement sensors in instruments, 3) creating and documenting test procedures, and 4) specifying data processing approaches. After conducting the experiment, students generated a written report of their results and presented these results to the class.