Executive Summary
The purpose of the lab is to assemble the two AEV designs which were brought to the performance testing and finding out the better one. From the past 8 weeks of studying, the group studied the methods of calculating advanced ratio, propulsion efficiency of the sample AEV tested. By applying the knowledge from the previous lab, the group decided to test the energy efficiency of the two designs which were decided on in lab 3 and choose a more energy efficiency one as the final plan.
The two designs which were selected in lab 3 are Design-2 and Design-4. Design-2 used the rectangle baseplate and T-shape arm as primary frame. The design used trapezoid wings and 3-inch propeller in order to reduce the air resistance and increase the thrust. Compared with Design-4, Design-2 is better in aerodynamic but short in balance.
Design-4 used the rectangle plate vertically to keep the center of mass along the hanger. In this case, the design is better in balance but short in aerodynamics.
In order to accomplish the given task, the group needs to finish the following tasks: first, group member Wilson and Yuhan will assemble the AEV while group member Meng will edit the code and upload it to the AEV; second, group member Md and Wilson will conduct the test on the track; third, group member Meng will collect the data and convert into excel spreadsheet; last, group member Md and Meng will analyze the data for group discussion and give the conclusion after discussing.
After weeks of studying, the group understands the working principles of AEV and is skilled with data analyzing. The group is ready for the first performance test.