Designing drones by combining finite element and atomistic simulations: a didactic approach

TL;DR

This paper presents a didactic multiscale modeling approach combining finite element and atomistic simulations to optimize drone structures for atmospheric pollutant detection, achieving weight savings with minimal performance trade-offs.

Contribution

It introduces a multiscale simulation framework for drone design that integrates macroscopic structural analysis with microscopic molecular insights, enhancing lightweight construction.

Findings

7 grams weight saving per drone arm with sandwich structure

Molecular dynamics reveals polymer chain structure details

Potential for further weight reduction via topology optimization

Abstract

A didactic multiscale approach for drone modeling is proposed. Specifically, we investigate the drone structure at both macroscopic and microscopic scales, by making use of finite element and atomistic simulations, respectively. The structural analysis is performed with the aim to equip the drone with specific sensors and measuring instruments capable to detect the existence of volcanic ash, SO2 , CO2 and other pollutants in the atmosphere after a vulcanic eruption. We show that, by modeling the tubular structure of the drone with a sandwich constituted by a a polystyrene core, carbon fiber skins and epoxy matrix, a weight saving of 7 grams for each drone arm can be obtained, in comparison to the standard commercial drones, although a slight worsening of the mechanical performances is observed. In addition, the molecular structure of the polystyrene chains has been investigated by using atomistic Molecular Dynamics simulations, providing further information on the local structure of the polymer chains. Additional improvements of the weight saving could be obtained by means of the the topological optimization techniques on the body of the drone and on the supports for landing.