Skill Development Programme on Hands-on Training on Drone design

Participants were introduced to the fundamental principles of aerodynamics and flight mechanics underlying drone operations, as aerodynamics forms the cornerstone of understanding how drones operate in the air, the session provided a comprehensive exploration of aerodynamic principles, providing participants with a foundational understanding of the forces at play during drone flight. Some of the topics covered were as follows:

• Lift and Bernoulli's Principle: Participants were introduced to the      concept of lift, the force that enables drones to overcome gravity and      ascend into the air. Bernoulli's principle, which states that the pressure      of a fluid decreases as its velocity increases, was elucidated as the fundamental      mechanism behind lift generation. Participants gained insights into how      the shape of a drone's airfoil (wing) influences airflow and generates      differential pressure, resulting in lift production.

• Drag and Drag Coefficient: The concept of drag, the aerodynamic force      that opposes motion through the air, was explored in detail. Participants      learned about the factors influencing drag, including airspeed, air      density, and the shape and surface texture of the drone. The notion of      drag coefficient, a dimensionless quantity representing the aerodynamic      drag of an object, was introduced as a crucial parameter in optimizing      drone design for efficiency and performance.

• Thrust and Propulsion: Thrust, the force exerted by a propulsion      system to propel the drone forward, backward, upward, or downward, was      examined in relation to the operation of drone motors and propellers.      Participants delved into the principles of propulsion, including Newton's      third law of motion (action and reaction), and how drone motors convert      electrical energy into rotational motion to drive the propellers and      generate thrust.

• Weight and Center of Gravity: The role of weight distribution and the      center of gravity in drone stability and maneuverability were elucidated.      Participants learned about the importance of maintaining proper weight      balance and center of gravity location to ensure stable flight characteristics      and prevent uncontrollable movements or crashes.

All these concepts provided participants with a solid theoretical foundation to comprehend drone flight dynamics.

Post the completion of ppt, the participants were taken to the AICTE Idea Lab for a  hands-on session, wherein they meticulously translated their design concepts into reality, guided by experienced instructors. By actively engaging in the hands-on assembly session, participants not only honed their technical skills and craftsmanship but also cultivated a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of drone construction and the collaborative spirit of the workshop environment. 

  The testing and troubleshooting segment of the workshop constituted a crucial phase wherein participants applied their theoretical knowledge and practical skills to validate the integrity and functionality of their drone builds. 

• Pre-flight Checks: Prior to conducting any flight tests,      participants were guided through a comprehensive series of pre-flight      checks to ascertain the readiness and airworthiness of their drones. These      checks encompassed visual inspections of all components for damage      or loose connections, verification of control surface movements,      confirmation of battery charge levels, and assessment of overall      structural integrity. Participants were encouraged to adopt a methodical      approach to pre-flight checks, ensuring that no critical aspects were      overlooked or neglected. The participants identified and resolved      potential issues, ensuring that their drones were primed for safe and      reliable operation.

• Flight      Testing Procedures: With pre-flight checks completed, participants      transitioned to the flight testing phase, wherein they piloted their      drones in controlled environments to assess stability, maneuverability,      and overall performance. Flight tests were conducted under the supervision      of instructors. Participants familiarized themselves with basic flight      maneuvers, including takeoff, hovering, forward/backward flight, and      turns, while progressively exploring the operational limits and      capabilities of their drones.

• Troubleshooting      and Problem Resolution: Inevitably, participants encountered      challenges and technical issues during flight testing, ranging from minor      configuration errors to more complex hardware malfunctions. Instructors      facilitated troubleshooting sessions and equipped participants with the      skills to diagnose and rectify common issues such as motor misalignment,      gyro drift, and communication failures. Participants collaborated with      peers and instructors to brainstorm solutions, leveraging collective      expertise and problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles and ensure      successful flight outcomes.

By engaging in systematic testing and troubleshooting exercises, participants not only validated the functionality and airworthiness of their drone builds but also honed their problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of technical challenges. Through collaborative teamwork and guided mentorship, participants emerged from the workshop equipped with the confidence and expertise to navigate the complexities of drone operation and maintenance effectively.