Innovation Takes Flight: TKMCE’s Aero Design Club

Exploring the possibilities of drone development among students,  empowered by the influence of SAE India.

In a world where technology is continually pushing boundaries, one innovation stands out for its remarkable versatility and potential: drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have captured our imagination and transformed countless industries. From aerial photography and surveillance to delivery services and search-and-rescue missions, drones offer efficiency, accessibility, and innovation in many sectors. However, there are still possibilities and potentials to explore as far as drone development is concerned. SAE India has played an integral role in encouraging and nurturing students with interests in this field. Find out how students at TKMCE are contributing to this pioneering technology.

The Aero Design Challenge, by Society of Automotive Engineers India Southern Section (SAEISS) conducts Aero Design Challenge which was later rebranded as the Drone Development Challenge, serves as a rewarding and inspiring opportunity for students at TKMCE. The purpose of the competition is to build Indian expertise and skill at the college level. Participating teams are challenged to create, design, build, and assess a radio-controlled aircraft that can perform takeoff, landing, and meet mission objectives optimally.

The competition features two classes of competition: regular and micro. Regular Class continues to be the class to develop the fundamental understanding of flight, and the goal is to lift as much payload as possible. Microclass teams are required to make trades between two potentially conflicting requirements, carrying the highest payload fraction possible while simultaneously pursuing the lowest empty weight possible. Students must have SAE India membership in order to compete.

SAE India’s role in uplifting student talent in drone development

In 2019, Team Autobots took on the Aero Design Challenge, representing TKMCE with pride. With seven members blending experience from second to fourth years, they began their journey with workshops in Chennai and Coimbatore, diving into the basics of aircraft design. Team Autobots made a significant contribution to the event, enhancing the institution's legacy and elevating its reputation.

Moving to 2020, the college was represented by two teams, namely Team Spit Fire and Team Falcon. Spit Fire, a newly formed team impressed with their aircraft design, achieved commendable scores during the presentation phase. In the same year, Team Falcon proudly flew the flag of TKMCE in the competition, achieving a remarkable 20th position and showcasing the institution's excellence on a grand stage.

In 2021, two teams, named Osprey and Zeus, participated in the competition. Led by Krishnadas Muralidharan and Fardheen Khan. Team Zeus  focused on disaster management, specifically addressing the Pettimudi landslide tragedy.They devised a drone with temporary wifi to aid in rescue efforts.Their design report earned AIR 7, showcasing their excellence.

Team AereX participated in the 2022 competition in both the micro class, led by Fardheen Khan, and the regular class, led by Sidharth Padmanabhan. In 2023, the team participated in micro class under the leadership of Sidharth Padmanabhan

Team Aerex, led by Afin Mohammed is fully prepared to take part in the 2024 Drone Development challenge in the Micro class category. With all the necessary steps completed and the final design submitted, we eagerly anticipate TeamAerex's opportunity to uphold the glory of TKMCE once more.

The Autonomous Drone Development Challenge is another competition organized by SAE India. The main purpose of the competitions is to develop a drone for carrying a medical parcel and autonomously deliver packages to designated areas. This operation will be executed as a part of a search and rescue event. For the first time this year, Team ‘DRONA’, comprising 10 members, led by Ahad J, is representing TKMCE in this pan-India-level competition.

It has various stages like team formation, hands-on workshops conducted by SAE ISS, design and analysis, fabrication, test runs, and finals. The team members attended different workshops called Envision-3D Modeling & Printing, ANSYS Fluent Fundamental, and DDC Hands-on Workshop. These workshops have given them the basic concepts about aerodynamic structures, their development, and working. Apart from this, they have used different software like SOLIDWORKS, Fusion 360, ANSYS, and XFLR5.

Conclusion

SAE India offers numerous chances for engineering students from across India to exhibit their exceptional talents while also motivating them to cultivate innovative concepts aimed at enhancing autonomous drone systems. The recognition and accolades garnered from participating in the challenge serve as a testament to students' abilities and can open doors to further opportunities, including internships, research projects, and career prospects in relevant industries. TKMCE has consistently been at the forefront of supporting students in various challenges, providing them with resources, guidance, and encouragement to excel in their endeavors.