College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2026-05-06 06:30:38
Major
Aerospace Systems Engineering
Honors Course
AESE497
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Abstract
This project seeks to bring new testing capability to the Zips Aero Design Team through the design, manufacture, integration, and testing of a dynamic thrust testbed for UAV electric motors. The project centers upon the revival and modification of a past prototype aircraft for use as a testbed for in-flight thrust measuring and recording. The team currently lacks the ability to test dynamic thrust under the operating conditions and flight speeds that are encountered in competition. Project technical areas include component and product design, electrical and electronics, and fluid mechanics, including the use of SolidWorks, MATLAB, and ArduPilot. Aside from the work that will be done on the components of the candidate aircraft that need repaired or upgraded, the major addition will be a universal motor mount fixture, allowing a wide range of motors with different bolt patterns to be tested. Onboard systems measure thrust in conjunction with other flight information such as airspeed, groundspeed, and atmospheric conditions to show the relationship between these variables.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Nicholas Garafolo
First Reader
Dr. Jonathan Mackey
Second Reader
Mr. Solomon Whitmire
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Scott Sawyer
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Community Engaged Scholarship
No
Recommended Citation
Flowers, Colin M.; Johnson, Robert C. Jr.; and Holt, Carson P., "Dynamic Thrust Testbed for UAV Electric Motors" (2026). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2172.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2172