Combined mechanical and electrochemical performance and damage tolerance of integrated structural power system in unmanned aerial vehicle application

Electrically powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provide a versatile tool to detecting, identifying, and delivering at places where manned flights are not feasible or too risky.

A technical solution to improve the performance and reliability of UAVs simultaneously, is to use structures made from integrated structural batteries with built in sensing capabilities developed at Stanford. Due to the inherent multifunctionality of these structures, multiple functions must operate safely during service.

Hence, the performance and damage tolerance must be assessed with respect to the combined functionalities.

To date, the combined mechanical and electrochemical performance and damage tolerance of such structures have not been evaluated and modelling strategies are lacking.

In this project, I will develop modelling tools and strategies for such purposes to allow for evaluating and improving the performance and reliability of UAV structures made from such materials. Experimental studies will also be performed for model validation.

This project will allow for me to use the knowledge and experiences gained during my PhD studies, while proceeding along my own path as researcher.

The project fits in very well with the portfolio of ongoing research conducted by the intended host Professor Fu-Kuo Chang.

Transferring the knowledge gained will help to contribute to advance the electrification transition in Sweden and strengthen Sweden’s position in the field.