Date of Award

12-18-2023

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

Team 14 has been assigned the task of designing and developing a radiation detection drone for open-area radiation detection in collaboration with General Dynamics Electric Boat. The project’s primary objective was to create an efficient solution for measuring and mapping radiation in a specified area and producing a ‘heat map’ of the radiation. Sponsored by General Dynamics Electric Boat, the project was guided by a predefined structure that emphasized the exploration of drone technology. Extensive research, including both general and market-oriented studies, was conducted, and the team designed various concepts, comparing them using Pugh analysis to identify the most effective approach.

The chosen solution involves the use of a commercially available aerial drone fastened with a handheld radiation detector, coupled with a Raspberry Pi and Arduino Nano for data acquisition. The design process focused on meeting specified parameters, including a $4000 budget, lift capacity, survey area, flight duration, safety distance, and dimensions based on the given radiation detector. These parameters were identified through research and informative meetings with the sponsors and professor, providing a comprehensive framework for the project.

During the academic year, the team achieved significant milestones. All necessary components, including the drone, radiation detector, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino Nano, were acquired from the college of engineering. The team demonstrated the drone’s capability to fly undisturbed by the attached radiation detection components, confirming the feasibility of the chosen design. Moreover, the successful acquisition of data and heat map production through the Raspberry Pi validated the effectiveness of the selected technology.

Team 14’s project successfully completed the challenge of designing a radiation detection drone. The objectives were met through a comprehensive design process, incorporating research, conceptualization, and practical testing.

Comments

Team Name: Team 14

Company Sponsor: General Dynamics Electric Boat

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-14-2024

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