EAM10MAE Computer Aided Engineering Assignment Brief 2025

Assessed Learning Outcomes

• Critically appraise the design process and methodologies and apply them to complex and open-ended engineering problems.
• Create geometrical parts using a variety of fundamental CAD construction techniques, including parametric and coordinate based.
• Analyse and evaluate the capabilities of modern CAE Solid Modelling and Analysis tools.
• Understand the mathematical principles of the discretisation methods.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of numerical solution methods.
• Demonstrate an understanding of stability analysis and numerical errors.

Assignment Brief:

Title: Quadcopter Redesign and Optimisation 

Objective:

In this final assignment, you will combine reverse engineering, computer-aided design (CAD), and simulation-driven optimisation. Your goal is to reconstruct the quadcopter structure presented in the paper "Design and Development of Unibody Quadcopter Structure Using Optimisation and Additive Manufacturing Techniques" and then optimise its performance using engineering tools and analysis techniques.

Phase 1: Rebuilding the Original Quadcopter Design

Tasks:

1. Carefully review the provided research paper to extract geometric features and specifications of the baseline unibody quadcopter design.
2. Use CAD software (preferably ANSYS) to model the quadcopter structure.
3. Ensure your CAD model reflects all major elements of the design, including arm lengths, thickness, motor mount locations, and component housing.

Deliverables:

Complete 3D CAD model of the original quadcopter.
A 3-page report summarising:

• Assumptions made during reverse engineering.
• Key design features extracted from the paper.
• CAD modelling approach and challenges faced.

Phase 2: Optimisation of the Quadcopter Structure

Tasks:

1. Define optimisation objectives. Example objectives may include:

• Minimise weight while maintaining structural stiffness.
• Improve natural frequency to reduce vibration.
• Enhance manufacturability for additive manufacturing.

2. Apply design modifications:

• Use topology optimisation, parametric changes, or material selection strategies.

3. Validate the optimised design using finite element analysis:

• Perform static stress analysis.
• Conduct modal analysis to determine changes in natural frequencies.

Constraints:

• Overall envelope of the quadcopter must remain similar.
• Four-arm configuration and motor mount constraints must be preserved.
• Material: You may suggest alternative materials, but must justify your choice.

Deliverables:

CAD model of the optimised quadcopter.
Simulation files (static and modal analysis) comparing original and optimised versions.

A final report (5 pages max) including:

• Summary of design changes and optimisation rationale.
• Performance comparison charts (original vs. optimised).
• Reflections on manufacturability, material choice, and application relevance.

Submission Format

Submit a zipped folder containing:

• CAD models
• Simulation results
• Report (PDF format)

Note: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Any use of external designs or previous submissions must be clearly cited. Originality and technical soundness will be strictly evaluated.

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