A question about non-conductive materials

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of constructing a drone frame from non-conductive materials that can withstand high pressure and extreme weather conditions, particularly during supercell storms. Participants explore various material options and design considerations for an impact-resistant drone frame.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about non-conductive materials suitable for a drone frame that can endure high pressure and winds.
  • Another suggests ceramics, glass, or polymers like Teflon as potential materials, noting that unbreakable glass sheets might be a cost-effective option.
  • A participant expresses interest in using ceramics for an impact-resistant drone design, questioning the possibility of molding ceramics into hollow tubing for the frame.
  • Concerns are raised about the practical challenges of maintaining flight control in extreme conditions, such as high winds and hail, with comparisons made to the turbulence of a washing machine.
  • Fiberglass is proposed as a flexible and strong alternative, with a mention of carbon fiber as a more advanced option if budget allows.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various material options and design ideas, but there is no consensus on the feasibility of flying a drone in supercell conditions or the best materials to use. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practicality of the proposed designs and materials.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the ability to maintain control of the drone in severe weather, highlighting the need for further exploration of material properties and design capabilities.

TAOindustries
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We are trying to come up with a frame for a drone (4' in diameter) that could withstand the pressure and high winds of a super cell. I can't say much more on it at the moment until the project is complete but I would like to know if there are any non-conductive materials that could withstand that much pressure. Is this something that might be possible given a good frame design?
 
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TAOindustries said:
if there are any non-conductive materials that could withstand that much pressure

ceramics/glass or polymers can be chosen like teflon - but if one goes for glass /unbreakable glass sheets i think it will be cheaper also .
 
Thank you for your reply. It would be very interesting to be able to use ceramics for what I'm going for. If it could be done that would be great. I'm trying to build an impact resistant frame for a drone. The design would be a gyro sphere style with a 360° camera in the center. The sphere would have the propellers positioned on the outside of the frame and the box for the camera would have a Kevlar coating. The design would have to be able to withstand high winds and impacts and should at least be able to be somewhat maneuvered in said conditions. Is this something that is possible? Also if I did use ceramics, would I be able to mold that into a hollow tubing for the frame? Again thank you for your consideration and any help you might be able to give me. :smile:
 
How big is this drone?
 
TAOindustries said:
The design would have to be able to withstand high winds and impacts and should at least be able to be somewhat maneuvered in said conditions. Is this something that is possible?

withstanding the high winds and being knocked out of the sky into the ground and still useable is one thing

still being able to fly very close to/within a supercell is a whole different ball game and probably almost impossible
consider the conditions similar to being in a front loading clothes washing machine. I couldn't imagine anyone
being able to maintain flight control of it as it was being flipped and spun all over the place and being smashed with
5cm and greater hailstones. And you have the added risk of lightning strikes and if not a direct strike it is going to be
subjected to some very high electric fields that could do serious electronics damage

Drakkith said:
How big is this drone?

he said 4' diameterDave
 
davenn said:
he said 4' diameter

So he did. My mistake.
 
no probs I miss the info on a regular basis ... an ol' fart going blind syndrome haha
 
davenn said:
no probs I miss the info on a regular basis ... an ol' fart going blind syndrome haha

But what's my excuse!? o_O
 
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