Development of a Forced Oscillation Test Technique for Determination of MAV Stability Characteristics

Abstract

This thesis presents the development and validation of a forced oscillation test technique for the determination of Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) stability characteristics. The test setup utilizes a scotch yoke mechanism to oscillate a MAV along a single axis at a fixed amplitude and frequency. The aerodynamic reaction forces to this sinusoidal perturbation are measured and converted into meaningful stability parameters. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate that forced oscillation testing is an effective means of measuring the stability parameters of a MAV. Initial tests show that the forced oscillation test process is returning results which match the expected trends. Comparison of the results to an analytical model of blade flapping shows that the experimental results are of the proper magnitude. It can be concluded from this research that forced oscillation testing is a feasible method for determining the stability parameters of MAVs.