Research tests of converted small-sized piston internal combustion engines of an unmanned aircraft
Аuthors
*, ,Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev, Moskovskoe shosse, 34, Samara, Russia
*e-mail: morozov.va@ssau.ru
Abstract
This paper examines the use of a small-sized piston engine for domestic, non-aviation use, converted for aviation use in a small-sized unmanned aerial vehicle of the airplane type. Currently, converted piston engines are successfully used in unmanned aerial vehicle. The cost and technical characteristics of specialized aviation and converted PEs are compared. Converted engines are superior in terms of fuel consumption and cost. However, they have slightly inferior technical parameters, such as thrust, weight, and power. The feasibility of such a conversion is demonstrated. An engineering and statistical analysis of malfunctions during the operation of power plants with converted piston enginess in aircraft and on a test rig is performed. A qualitative reliability analysis of prototype PEs and unmanned aerial vehicles was conducted. During testing, failures were identified and classified by the nature of their manifestation, by components and assemblies, and by cause of failure. It was found that the most frequent failures and malfunctions are related to vibration-induced damage to airframe components and engine mounts. Measures have been taken to protect the airframe and flight controller from the negative effects of vibration. Special dampers have been installed in the engine mounts. The effectiveness of these measures has been confirmed by ground tests, during which no failures were observed. Vibration measurements were conducted using vibration diagnostics. A reduction in the root-mean-square vibration acceleration on the flight controller to an acceptable level was also recorded. This article serves as a reference for engineers designing unmanned aerial vehicles with piston engines. A conclusion is provided regarding the feasibility of using a converted piston engine in a small unmanned aerial vehicle.
Keywords:
Vibration, vibration diagnostics, piston engine, unmanned aerial vehicle, aviation conversion, technical diagnostics, tests, converted aircraft piston engine (APE).References
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