Composites Classes 2023 - Racing Drone 150 km/h project

Check out this exciting video from #IndustrialDesign #UGent showcasing the amazing process, outcome, and closing event of their composites classes of 2023. The talented 4th year Master of Science students of Industrial Design at Ghent University Campus Kortrijk took on the challenge of designing, analyzing, developing, and testing a drone that could withstand the forces of a racing drone accelerating from 0 to 150 km/h in just a matter of seconds. And if that wasn't enough, they were also tasked with the scenario of a racing drone crashing into a tree at full speed!

With the racing drone design and materials provided, these students had to do a strength analysis to determine the best fiber lay-up that would be both lightweight and strong. They then designed a mold to shape the composites and prepared it for the composites' part development. The result was a racing drone made of bio-derived resins and natural fibers, such as bio-epoxy (30% bioderived), flax fibers, and basalt fibers.

To put their creation to the test, the drone was flown by an experienced racing drone partner, Roland van Helden, who went full throttle at 150 km/h! The drone easily withstood all tests and proved to be a joy to fly with.

If you're interested in seeing more of our awesome projects, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel @IndustrialDesign_UGent. And if you're interested in studying Industrial Design at Ghent University and becoming a creative and versatile industrial engineer in design, visit us online or during our campus visits to experience our curriculum. We're always open to new partnerships, so don't hesitate to contact us through our socials on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube!