Project Introduction

The XPRIZE Ocean Discovery contest challenges teams to develop cutting-edge technology for mapping and exploring the ocean floor. The Duke University hexacopter base presented an inability to withstand impact from sudden landing or mild crashes. The failure mode was most commonly fractures along the 3D print plane.

Drone Base Optimization

Redesigning a hexacopter base for the XPrize ocean discovery competition

Category: Product Design
Client: Duke XPRIZE Drone Discovery
Project date: 08/2018-12/2018

Contributions & Outcomes

I modified and developed a MATLAB code for modeling the stress experienced in the carbon fiber chassis and th 3D printed joints provided a specific drone base design. Additionally, I assisted with wiring the drone's ESCs and motor controllers, ensuring proper functionality. I also helped design mechanical joints for the drone that would integrate with the carbon fiber frame. The implementation of filets throughout the 3D printed joints with a print orientation that resulted in the layers being 45° with respect to the ground led to a successful impact resistant drone base at a reduced scale.

Technical Skills

CAD
3D Printing
Circuit Design
MATLAB
Optimization