Original scientific paper

Testing of sensitive barometric altimeter

Josipa Vukelić ; Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jelena Ćosić ; Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Josip Stepanić orcid.org/0000-0003-0674-9883 ; Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

Currently there is no efficient, simple and reliable device for precise measurement of altitude of small unmanned aerial vehicles during their flights. That is one of the reasons why quadrotors and similar unmanned aerial vehicles cannot be used in a larger extent in realistic environments. This article describes the construction of a prototype of barometric altimeter with extremely high sensitivity in measuring the small altitude changes. Contribution of the prototype’s elements on the sensitivity of altitude measurement was determined using statistically designed experiment. The designed experiment explicitly took into account the following elements: volume of the prototype’s vessel (A), the diameter of the sensor of atmospheric pressure (B), and the viscosity of liquid that forms the vessel’s boundary (C). The largest contribution is that of the element C, while the second largest is the combination of elements B and C. Taking into account the experimental conditions, the designed prototype demonstrated its sufficient sensitivity regarding the stated resolution of altitude changes. However, its robustness is not sufficient for the predicted application. Based on the results, the directions for the prototype improvement are selected.

Keywords

barometric altimeter; unmanned aerial vehicles; quadrotors; sensitivity; design of experiment

Hrčak ID:

101169

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/101169

Publication date:

15.3.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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