3743503

Characterization of the spray distribution, swath width, and swath displacement of Uncrewed Aerial Spray Systems (UASS)

Date
August 22, 2022

Recent research has focused on the use of Uncrewed Aerial Spray Systems for their potential to fill the gap between manned aircraft and ground application, compromising between the two methods being able to be used over larger areas than ground equipment at reduced cost and complexity than manned aircraft. However, there is limited literature focusing on the proper setup and use of these systems. The objective was to design and conducted a series of large scale, conceptually linked studies that provide data that is used to guide system optimization and development of predictive models. Two uncrewed systems coupled with five nozzle types were used to conduct a swath characterization and drift trials designed to establish effective swath widths, deposition variability, swath displacement, and drift. System and nozzle type, along with nozzle position and wind direction significantly impacted the spray deposition patterns within and downwind of the effective swath. The spray distribution in swath is highly variable, variable to the point that using the typical metric of uniformity alone to define swath can no longer apply. In addition, the swath was rarely found to be directly beneath the flightline, and that swath offsetting can be significant, larger than the assumed swath width. An iterative solution has been developed that uses a combination of effective dose and uniformity to define swath width. The offsetting of that swath due to interactions with ambient air has also been defined by using the measure of Center of Deposition to define edge of field. The aim is to be able to distinguish between in swath deposition and drift. At this point the approach to defining swath width and the displacement of that swath is presented. The goal however would be the develop a real time onboard navigation system that can reset the flight line in response to wind driven swath displacement to reduce off target losses.

Presenter

Speaker Image for Jane Bonds
Bonds Consulting Group

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