Design, Build, Fly SPEED Team
The Design, Build, and Fly At Clarkson University we fly further, faster, and higher.
DBF is a competition is an annual competition sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Cessna Aircraft Company, and the Office of Naval Research (ONR.)This project provides students, who are interested in aeronautical design and construction, an opportunity to produce, in a team environment, a product to meet a specific set of requirements as outlined by competition rules, much as a commercial venture would produce a proposal based on the customer's needs. Undergraduates, from Freshman to Senior, can participate. Students learn how to integrate the many aspects of design and to balance the advantages and disadvantages of various design possibilities.
About Design, Build, Fly
In DBF, students are tasked with designing, building, and flying a unique RC aircraft for competition every year. Students work to design an aircraft based on mission parameters and perform analysis to prove feasibility and improve the design by applying skills learned in classes. They then work with composite materials, CNC machining, 3D printing, and more to manufacture the aircraft before the competition in April.
Sub-Teams
The team uses composite, 3D printing, aluminum, and balsa wood manufacturing techniques to deliver the aircraft under a tight timeframe to meet mission requirements. On this sub-team members get hands-on experience using CNC machining, 3D printing, and CAD for manufacturing design.
Each mission is very unique and poses its own challenges. Mission Systems works with MatLab coding, CAD, 3D printing, and the Manufacturing team to produce unique mission requirements and optimize the aircraft design goals for the best score every year.
Employ XFLR5 and other aerodynamics software to design the optimal wing for competition. Additionally, use wind tunnel testing and CFD simulations to further optimize the aircraft design.
Propulsions uses MatLab and other analysis tools to choose the best propeller and motors to meet take-off distance and flight time requirements according to mission parameters. They also work hands-on with soldering and designing motor mounts.
Apply Ansys and other structural analysis software to choose the best materials and aircraft configuration, ensuring it withstands necessary loads.
The S&C team performs analysis on our prototypes and final designs to ensure the aircraft is able to fly with control. They work with Aerodynamics and SIT team to design the control surfaces and choose the empennage configuration.
Ensure flight capabilities and potentially become a pilot for our team by joining the SIT sub-team! SIT Team works hands-on developing prototypes, testing new methods, and designing control surfaces.
Contact Design, Build, Fly
Here’s where we are and how to get in touch:
Clarkson University Design, Build, Fly
8 Clarkson Ave
Potsdam, NY 13699
Email: dbf@clarkson.edu
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarkson-university-design-build-fly-aiaa-knighthawks/about/