Dr. Sreenatha G. Anavattiagsrenat@adfa.edu.auDr Sreenatha Anavatti (Supervisor), Shaaban Ali Salman (PhD Student).The Project aims to develop an intelligent UAV (fixed wing). Initial research is aimed at parameter identification techniques to build a suitable mathematical model for the UAV from flight test data. Based upon this model, intelligent flight controllers will be developed to enhance the robustness with respect to variations in flying conditions and alterations in payloads to suit the particular mission. These controllers will be implemented and tested on the UAV. There is a necessity for extensive field-testing of the UAV to initially collect data and later to validate the controller.uav.jpgACME, UNSW@ADFA.Matt Garratt.m.garratt@adfa.edu.auMr Matthew GarrattBecause of their extremely small sizes and payload carrying capabilities need for small, miniaturized sensor units for micro-UAVs (MAV) is becoming a prime topic of research. Vision sensors are no exception to this. In this project recent advances in electronics, and symbiosis with biomimetic research has been exploited to develop image sensor systems that will enable airborne autonomy for micro-UAV or MAV platforms. Leverage of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) has been used to facilitate novel image processing systems, which has dramatically miniaturised MAV autonomy whilst improving precision. This is bound to revolutionise the practicality of MAVs for demanding applications such as search and rescue, urban surveillance and space exploration. The same techniques have also been employed to improve the correction of atmospheric turbulence on surveillance imagery. This project is a joint undertaking of UNSW@ADFA and the ANU, and draws upon cross-disciplinary expertise in Biology, Visual Sciences, Signal Processing, Flight Control and Electronics. sensor.jpgThe UNSW, University College Strategic Research initiative.Mr. Matthew Garrattm.garratt@adfa.edu.auMr Matthew GarrattThe objective of this project was to develop a concept demonstrator using a radio-controlled model helicopter to perform autonomous flight that includes hovering over a simulated landing deck in rough sea, and ultimately, landing on such a platform. The long-term goal is to enlarge the shipboard operational envelopes of both manned and unmanned helicopters through advanced control technologies.eagle_shipland.jpgDefence Science and Technology Organisation.Mr Matthew Garrattm.garratt@adfa.edu.auMr Matthew GarrattIn the case of modern Naval vessels the sensor suites are extended to accommodate rotary airborne platforms which due to their vast infrastructure are limited only to large vessels. The advent of modern UAVs has now made it possible to provide the advantages of an airborne sensor platform to smaller sea vessels. The aim of this project is to automate the launch, operation and vertical landing of a small rotary wing UAV from vessels at sea. To accomplish this we exploit the low-cost and reliability of the Yamaha RMAX to create a VTOL UAV system that is smaller and more cost effective than existing VTOL platforms, affording a new surveillance capability to small vessels. The solution to the problem of landing a UAV on the deck of a moving ship points towards the development of advanced control algorithms that incorporate ship motion prediction into the control loop. Accurate position estimates of the UAV with respect to the moving vessel are critical for safe operations. Since GPS outages can occur, efforts have been made towards implementing other sensors and sensor fusion algorithms that are robust in a marine operating environment.rmax_Sea.jpgARC Linkage Project with UAV Australia Pty Ltd.Mr Matthew Garrattm.garratt@adfa.edu.auMr Matthew GarrattMainstream UAVs cannot be used to penetrate cluttered environments such as forests and urban landscapes due to their sheer physical size and manoeuvre radius. A low-cost utilitarian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for such environments is therefore advantageous. This project emphasizes miniaturisation of UAV systems with continued robustness, to create such a platform. A concept demonstrator for autonomous flight including hover has been constructed. Potential applications include detection of Weapons of Mass Destruction using bio-sensors and electro-optical surveillance. This generic research platform also has a provision to gather data for, and test airborne Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS).eagle_shipland.jpgDefence Science and Technology Organisation.Dr John Youngj.young@adfa.edu.auProf Joseph Lai, Dr John YoungThis project is aimed at investigating the wing and tail motions of a number of animals across a range of Reynolds numbers, to ascertain the aerodynamic techniques used to generate large lift and thrust forces with high efficiency. Variables studied include flapping amplitudes, frequencies, and relative phases between pitching and plunging components of the flapping motion. A mixture of analytical, reduced-physics simulation and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools is used to study the effect of flow separation, turbulence and wake vortex dynamics, to establish the correct parameterization of such flapping wing flows.flappingWing.jpgAustralian Partnership for Advanced Computing (APAC) supercomputer time allocations, UNSW Faculty Research Grants Program, UNSW-ADFA Research Collaboration Initiative, UNSW@ADFA Special Research Grant.Dr John Youngj.young@adfa.edu.auProf Joseph Lai, Dr John YoungThe aerodynamics investigation of this project is aimed at determining optimum flapping motions and wing flexural characteristics. The project uses a mixture of analytical, reduced-physics simulation and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools, as well as both specially developed and commercially available radio-controlled flapping wing flying vehicles for wind-tunnel and free-flight experimentation.wake4.jpgUNSW Faculty Research Grants Program