INCREASING UAV ENDURANCE THROUGH INTEGRATING PVDF-BNNT PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTERS ONTO THE AIRFRAME
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Authors
Sewall, Anna C.
Subjects
piezoelectric composite
energy harvester
unmanned aerial vehicle
UAV
energy harvester
unmanned aerial vehicle
UAV
Advisors
Ansell, Troy
Date of Issue
2023-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
With the increasing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military operations, it is of interest to the Navy to increase these drones’ flying endurance. Current solar-powered and battery-powered UAVs have limited capabilities and technical challenges, such as weather dependency and long charging times. This project explored the possibility of using piezoelectric materials to extend the flying time of UAVs. Polymeric piezoelectric energy harvesters were both printed using stereolithography and cast in a mold. These harvesters were then tested for piezoelectric activity. Piezoelectricity was not observed despite the fabrication of flexible polymers. A problem with the printed polymers was sample inhomogeneity and low volume for piezoelectric activity. For the molded samples, saturation polarization was likely not achieved during poling. Further testing of the fabrication technique is required.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.