Design optimization of small-scale unmanned air vehicles

Abstract

This thesis describes the use of genetic algorithms to automate the design process forsmall-scale rotary-wing UAV/MAV, using commercial off-the-shelf components. Adesign methodology is also proposed for the aerodynamic shape design of a fixedwingconfiguration.A new unconventional configuration has been proposed for the purpose of producingrotary-wing UAV/MAV that is as easy to fabricate as the conventional quadrotorconfiguration, but possibly even smaller, given the availability of the samecomponents. A detailed comparison is given in the thesis to assess the merits of theproposed configuration. A design methodology is also proposed to automate thedesign of this unconventional flight vehicle.