How to determine what electric motor to use. Need guidance please.

[SilentIdea]

Hello all!

I'm an engineering student who is taking part in a group project to design and build a UAV to carry out surveillance in Greenland. Now my specific task is to sort out our means of propulsion and materials. The problem is up to now I have only learned about petrol propulsion systems in terms of maths.

We are aiming to use an electric motor due to several limitations such as cost and weight. I was therefore wondering if someone could link me to some material which explains the mathematics that need to be attempted in order to work out for example:-

The range equation for an electric motor.
Thrust that can be provided.
How to tell whether or not a battery will be compatible with a certain electric motor. Etc...

SilentIdea

 

[billy_joule]

What makes you think electric motors are cheaper and lighter than petrol engines?

 

[TESL@]

I've sent you a PM.