H-shape UAV Dynamic Simulation in MATLAB Simulink
Date
Feb 2020 - Jan 2021
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Location
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
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Project type
PhD Project
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Role
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Lead Simulation Engineer
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Model Architect
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Performance Validator​
Developed a comprehensive dynamic simulation model for UAV flight performance using MATLAB Simulink. This model integrates aerodynamics, avionics, and flight control across various UAV configurations—including a bespoke H-shaped aerial platform. Using linear PID controllers and closed-loop positional strategies, the simulation accurately replicates flight trajectories (e.g., triangle and circular paths) under realistic conditions. This virtual testbed enables robust design validation and performance analysis before physical prototyping.
A triangle path is designed. The red line path represents the real simulated math, while the black one represents the ideal path. In this way, any customised path by the user can be achieved through the MATLAB code in the simulation program.
Another experiment is presented in the simulation. Firstly, the drone makes a circular trajectory with a radius of 2m around a cylinder with a radius of 1m, then rises by 0.2m and makes a circular trajectory again, which is similar to the real experiment conducted through monitored VICON system. In this case, the red line path represents the real simulated math, while the black one represents the ideal path.
In the control system above, the output of the first controller is the reference set point to calculate the attitude difference. The input of the second controller is the attitude error. The negative feedback will be provided when the attitude movement changes.
Additionally, the motor model includes voltage distribution section, the voltage to angular velocity section, providing all the variables to the aerial dynamic model section. Therefore, in this PID controller-based system, the 6-Degree of Freedom (DOF) attitude will be achieved by updating the position and attitude variables.