Analysis of Strength and Flight Time for Hexacopter Fire Fighting Drone with Fire Extinguisher Ball

Abstract

This research article is aimed to contribute to the improvement of human life by addressing the growing number of fire incidents caused due to increasing human population and advances in modern technology. This study proposes the use of drone with a hexagonal design configuration for firefighting purpose. Two design concepts for the firefighting drone were proposed. The 3D models were developed for both the designs using SolidWorks. The design 1 was made to carry an FEB of 0.5 Kg and design 2 was made to carry 1.3 Kg FEB. The strength of drone structure was analyzed using Ansys software. The static structural analysis showed the maximum total deformation and stresses on the arms while minimum total deformation and stresses on the top and bottom plates in both design 1 and design 2. The dynamic analysis performed for 0.0002 seconds of flight time. The total deformation was observed to be maximum on the arms and the bottom plate while minimum on the top plate of the drone. However, the stresses were observed to be maximum on the arms and minimum on the top and bottom plates. A prototype was developed based on design 1 for experimental purpose. The drone's flight control and stability were managed by a Pixhawk 2.4.8 flight controller, alongside GPS for precise navigation. A wireless radio telemetry system facilitates communication between the drone and a mobile phone or PC, with power supplied by a 5200mAh capacity battery. To carry out firefighting operations, the drone was equipped with a wooden box that utilized servo motors to drop a fire extinguisher ball accurately from an initial point to a designated target location. In conclusion, the research proposes an efficient and cost-effective solution to combat fire incidents using a drone. By integrating advanced technologies and equipment, the drone demonstrates the potential to protect the environment and preserve life from the destructive effects of fire.