Material selection for main frame and arm assembly using decision matrix

Requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Light weight
High yield strength
Easy to manufacture
Cheap
Water resistance

Potential Materials:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Aluminium
Carbon fibre
Wood
Foam

Properties to be considered:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Density
Mechanical properties
Formability
Cost
Water resistance

weightage
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.2
0.1

Weighing factor = measure of relative importance of properties (total = 1)

Rating factor = ability to measure up to the desired property (0 to 10)
Rating factor
weighing factor x rating
factor

Property

Density

Mechanical
properties

Formability

Cost

Water
resistance

sum

Weighing
value

0.3

0.3

0.1

0.2

0.1

Aluminiu
m

6.7

2.1

2.1

0.8

1.2

0.5

Carbon

10

10

10

8.7

Fibre

0.5

1.2

Hobby
grade
Plywood

2.1

2.4

0.5

1.8

0.5

Foam

10

0.3

0.5

1.8

0.8

6.4

Density is one of the most crucial factors in material selection as the main frame
would be contributing a significant portion to the overall weight of the UAV.It is vital
to manage the weight of the UAV to ensure that the desired throttle trim could be
achieved. Nevertheless, cost and strength are crucial factors considering the
budget constrain imposed as well as the fast that the Uav would be undergoing
dynamic and impact loading.
In conclusion, it can be seen from the material comparison table that carbon fibre
would be the most appropriate material for the main frame.

Ergonomics
-Pins and battery cable and to be mounted in an accessible position.
- One man should be able to operate the product

Calculations of forces and stresses on components

Structural analysis was done on Cakey to ensure the proposed design is sufficiently
robust and strong to withstand the various loadings exerted on it. 4 failure prone
area was first identified for analysis. They are
1. Landing gear- one of the highest stress area as it has to be strong enough to
withstand the overall weight of the structure, without buckling or breaking
2. Arm assembly- it has to withstand the moment exerted on
3. Main body4. Hinge and quick release pinThe team utilized the solidworks simulation tool to supplement their calculations on
the stress analysis.

Description of overall design

1. Arm assembly

Direction of motion.
Retracting and
extending

Inner arm

U5 Motor
Motor mount

Aluminium tube
clamp
Outer
arm

15 propeller

2. Aluminium tube clamp

A slot at the edge of the
inner arm
A protrusion in the
clamp

A lock and key mechanism was

included in the arm assembly to
maintain the orientation of the
motor.

3. Hinge assembly (folded configuration)

Hinge Pin
The top quick
release pin acts
as an
emergency
securing pin, as
well as
restricting the
arm from
rotating more
than 90

Hinge
plate

Direction of
folding

The bottom quick

release pin secures the
arm when the arm is
extended.

4. Interior of cakey

Aluminium spacer
rod

The IMU is mounted

close to the Centre
of gravity of Cakey.
Second tier plate
to hold the various
components

Velcro slot for

securing
battery

Top view of cakey interior