Karen Martinez Soto
PhD Candidate, Engineering Education, Virginia Tech
Tuesday, Nov. 28 | 8:30 a.m. | AERO N240
Abstract: In an era where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become integral to various industries, understanding the intricacies of their design is essential to future aerospace engineers. This talk focused on the drone and small VTOL vehicle design will explore the key considerations that shape their functionality and performance.
The presentation will serve as an overview of the fundamental principles underlying quadcopter and VTOL vehicle design, addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in achieving stable flight.
This overview includes an in-depth analysis of the unique dynamics that govern quadcopters, shedding light on the underactuated system where the degrees of freedom exceed the available control inputs.
Attendees will gain a profound understanding of how these dynamics influence flight characteristics, stability, and maneuverability, setting the stage for effective design strategies.
Bio: Karen Martinez Soto is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Engineering Education at Virginia Tech. She received her B.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and her M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech. Her research interests are focused on teaching and assessment of aerospace engineering for conceptual understanding, curriculum development for the engineering middle years, and the development of student cultural competencies.