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Supervisor:
Dr W.J.Crowther |
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Project
Title: Football Aerodynamics WJC1 |
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Aim: ·
To obtain experimental data on the aerodynamics of a spinning
football |
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Objectives: ·
Review existing work ·
Improve existing wind tunnel experimental rig design to reduce
asymmetry and increase spin motor power ·
Obtain wind tunnel corrections due to presence of rig ·
Measure lift and drag for a range of speeds (Reynolds number) and
spin rates (advance ratio) ·
Model trajectories using data obtained from experiment using Simulink ·
Compare trajectories with experimentally observed trajectories ·
Develop 3D virtual reality visualisation environment using AVS (at
Manchester Visualisation Centre) |
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Description
of Project: This project is concerned with the development of a simulation for modelling the curved trajectories of spinning footballs. The simulation may ultimately be used to improve offensive/defensive tactics during free kicks. A previous project has developed a basic simulation model and obtained preliminary wind tunnel data on a spinning and non-spinning ball. |
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Nature of
Project
(e.g. Computing, Experimental, etc.) Experimental, some computing |
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Workshop
Requirements and Time: 3 days technician for rig modifications |
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Experiment
Facilities Required and Time: Simon project tunnel, 2 weeks |
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Supervisor:
Dr W.J.Crowther |
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Project
Title: Virtual Wind Tunnel WJC2 |
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Aim: ·
To investigate the use of a VR environment for exploring fluid flow
datasets |
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Objectives: ·
Generate datasets for flow around simple shapes using the FLUENT CFD
package ·
Import data into the AVS visualisation package and display
streamlines and pressure distributions on 2D monitor ·
Investigate benefits of using 3D VR projection for exploring data ·
Investigate the use of a 3D haptic (force) feedback device as a user
interface in a VR environment (e.g. pressure as force, unsteadiness as
vibration) |
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Description
of Project: The present project seeks to develop skills and
experience in the use of virtual reality for the exploration and
interpretation of fluid flow data using the new virtual reality lab at
Manchester Computing http://www.man.ac.uk/MVC/service/vip.shtml |
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Nature of
Project
(e.g. Computing, Experimental, etc.) Computing |
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Workshop
Requirements and Time: none |
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Experiment
Facilities Required and Time: Access to VIP lab. |
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Supervisor:
Dr W.J.Crowther |
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Project
Title: Manchester Unmanned Air Vehicle (MUAV) GPS/Telemetry WJC3 |
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Aims: ·
To flight validate GPS unit ·
To flight validate existing telemetry software |
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Objectives: ·
Review previous work on GPS and telemetry development ·
Demonstrate differential GPS positioning ·
Demonstrate in-flight telemetry to and from the UAV ·
Demonstrate use of GPS for flight path measurement ·
Integrate GPS data with flight control system |
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Description
of Project: A differential global positioning system (GPS) is
to be used to determine the position of an unmanned air vehicle. Previous
projects have established the hardware and communication links between the
plane and the ground station. The present project is concerned with in flight
validation of GPS and telemetry software and integration of GPS data with the
flight control system. |
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Nature of
Project
(e.g. Computing, Experimental, etc.) Computing using C. Some basic
electronics and flight testing. |
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Workshop
Requirements and Time: None |
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Experiment
Facilities Required and Time: Bench space |
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Supervisor:
Dr W.J.Crowther |
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Project
Title: Manchester Unmanned Air Vehicle (MUAV) Dynamics WJC4 |
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Aim: ·
To validate the dynamics of an aircraft simulation model |
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Objectives: ·
Review previous gyro calibration and data acquisition work ·
Obtain in flight measurement of aircraft rates ·
Compare measured rates with simulation results ·
Investigate the use of novel low cost sensors for determining vehicle
attitude/rates |
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Description
of Project: A sensor system for measuring angular rates of an
unmanned air vehicle is required for simulation validation and flight control
system augmentation. Rates are to be measured using an existing solid state
gyro. Data acquisition software has been developed but needs validating.
Alternative low cost technologies for measuring aircraft attitude based on
acceleration and light sensors are to be investigated. |
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Nature of
Project
(e.g. Computing, Experimental, etc.) Basic electronics, some C programming
(modifying existing code) and flight test. |
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Workshop
Requirements and Time: none |
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Experiment
Facilities Required and Time: Bench space |
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Supervisor:
Dr W.J.Crowther |
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Project
Title: Manchester Unmanned Air Vehicle (MUAV) Simulation and Control WJC5 |
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Aim: ·
To validate an aircraft simulation and simple flight control laws
using flight test ·
To implement a velocity vector control system |
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Objectives: ·
Review existing aircraft simulation model and control system hardware ·
Obtain flight test data (manual control) ·
Validate simulation model ·
Flight validate existing single variable control system |
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Description
of Project: A simulation model of the Manchester Unmanned Air
Vehicle and a basic control system have been developed. This project is
concerned with the experimental validation of the system model using
in-flight data obtained from the aircraft. The student will be required to
develop a practical understanding of flight dynamics and stability and
control. |
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Nature of
Project
(e.g. Computing, Experimental, etc.) Simulation (using Simulink) and
experiment |
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Workshop
Requirements and Time: None |
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Experiment
Facilities Required and Time: Bench space |
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Supervisor:
Dr W.J.Crowther |
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Project
Title: Smart sensors for micro air vehicle applications WJC6 |
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Aim: ·
to investigate the use of the PIC microcontroller for smart sensing and
control in micro air vehicle applications |
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Objectives: ·
Review previous project work using the PIC microcontroller ·
Implement PIC demo applications to validate understanding of
microcontroller principles ·
Design a microcontroller-based system for determining airspeed based
on pressure measurements ·
Fabricate simple interface electronics ·
Programme microcontroller in low level code (similar to assembly
language) using the PIC graphical development environment ·
Demonstrate air speed sensor functionality ·
Identify opportunities for further work |
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Description
of Project: Developments in
miniature aircraft with wing spans of less than 15cm (micro
airvehicles) demand increasing use of highly integrated electronics for
sensing and control. This project investigates the use of a PIC microcontroller as the basis for
developing a low cost, low weight flight control computer for micro air
vehicles. The present project will specifically develop capability for
pressure data acquisition and calculation of air speed. No previous
experience of micro controllers is assumed, however an interest in
programming would be advantageous. |
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Nature of
Project
(e.g. Computing, Experimental, etc.) |
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Workshop
Requirements and Time: |
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Experiment
Facilities Required and Time: |
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Supervisor:
Dr W.J.Crowther |
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Experiment
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Supervisor:
Dr W.J.Crowther |
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Experiment
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Supervisor:
Dr W.J.Crowther |
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Description
of Project: |
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