Vibration control on a drone arm with periodic resonator metamaterials

• Grant number: 21/04833-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2021
• End date: July 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Leopoldo Pisanelli Rodrigues de Oliveira
• Grantee: Eric Godines Silva
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/15894-0 - Periodic structure design and optimization for enhanced vibroacoustic performance: ENVIBRO, AP.TEM

Abstract

Drones have become an instrument of great relevance, due to the fact that they are versatile equipment with a wide range of applications, such as in filming, in precision agriculture, aircraft maintenance, surveying and even in exploration research. With them, it becomes possible to reach places that would not be easily accessed by other means, such as helicopters or airplanes, as it is a small and unmanned device. However, just like any motorized device, drones tend to have their efficiency reduced by vibrations caused by their engines. These losses range from a decrease in energy efficiency, to a lower quality when developing some of its main applications, such as audiovisual. A convenient way to solve this problem is to apply metamaterials to your structure. Such materials are not found in nature, but can be synthesized to have desired characteristics in an object. Therefore, they can be a competitive alternative for controlling noise and vibrations, without impairing the device's ability to perform its functions. Thus, this research aims to apply concepts of structural dynamics and study the effects of different materials and geometries in the manufacture of the structure of a drone, aiming to improve the balance and stability of this device to make it more efficient in its use.