Keynote Speaker Ⅰ

Prof. Dan Zhao

Fellow of The Academy of Royal Society of NEW Zealand (Academician)

Fellow of Engineering New Zealand

Fellow of European Academy of Sciences

Academician of European Academy of Sciences and Arts

University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

Speech Title: Aerodynamics Prediction of Propellers at Different Tilted Angles and Wind Flow Conditions for Small-size Multi-rotor UAVs

Abstract: Small-size multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) remain the platform of choice for many remote sensing applications. Thus, there is a need for developing a fast and accurate prediction model of rotor aerodynamic performance, aiming at improving and optimizing the future generation of UAVs. In this work, we have developed a physics-based propeller model capable of properly predicting the aerodynamic forces and moments under various flight conditions, such as hover, climb, and forward flight by utilizing three types of APC thin electric propellers. This corresponds to the related performances of the propellers with no wind flow, pure axial flow and a hybrid of pure axial and side flow. The present model is developed by extending the classical blade element momentum theory (BEMT) via considering the inflow effect and high angle-of-attack (AOA). Firstly, introducing the inflow effect is considered to overcome the limitations of the BEMT model in forward flight conditions, i.e., the difficulties caused by the variation of the induced flow with the angular position of the blades. Secondly, the high AOA aerodynamics, including post-stall, parameters are integrated into the present model, considering the extreme maneuvers that occur in UAV flights where the blades may stall. To validate the model prediction, a series of wind tunnel experiments are conducted. The present work provides interesting physical insights into advancing aerodynamic performance analysis for multiple types of propellers. Consequently, it could be applied to quickly predict the aerodynamic parameters of the propellers for optimizing UAV design and practical application.

Bio: Prof. Zhao has published 5 books, 5 patents and more than 300 archived papers on the SCI-indexed journals include Nature's journals. Total citations are approximately 11000 times and H-index=60 (Scopus based). He has been awarded with 11 fellowships like European Academy of Sciences, European Academy of Sciences and Arts, ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology, Royal Society of Chemistry, AIAA, Royal Aeronautical Society, Engineering New Zealand, Prof. Zhao has already supervised a dozen of PhD, postdoc fellows, and has accomplished and working on a number of research projects (~$18M) sponsored by various agencies and industries, like MBIE (NZ), Environment Canterbury Regional Council, Singapore Ministry of Education/Defense and Singapore Prime Minister Office (NRF). Prof. Zhao is acting as the CHIEF and associate editorship of 15 SCI-indexed journals.

Keynote Speaker Ⅱ

Prof. Renfu Li

Associate Fellow of AIAA, ASME Fellow

Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Bio: Professor Li，Chutian Talent Professor; ASME Fellow、AIAA Associate Fellow; Vice-Chair of the School of Aerospace Engineering, Dean of the Institute of UAV System, President of the Academic Committee of the School of Aerospace Engineering at HUST Professor Li obtained his B.S. degree from Beihang University, Ph.D. degree with honor from the school of aerospace engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, U.S.A. After having worked in US over 14 years, He was invited to HUST to establish the School of Aerospace Engineering. Professor Li has over thirty years experiences in aerospace engineering. He had also been involved grand scientific project. Professor Li’s major research filed covers: Flight Vehicle System Design, Intelligent Flight formation and Control, UVA system, etc. Professor has authorized over 120 sci papers、50 patents. He is the associate editor of AIAA Journal, editor committee of “Chinese Journal of Aeronautics”, etc.

Keynote Speaker Ⅲ

Prof. Zhang Ren

Beihang University, China

Speech Title: Research on Robust Formation Control Technology of UAV Swarm System

Abstract: This paper mainly introduces the research background and significance of formation control of UAV f swarm system, the important role and characteristics of formation control technology in cooperative operation of UAV f swarm system, the main challenges and key technologies of formation control technology research, the main progress of robust formation control of UAV f swarm system, and the application achievements of robust formation control technology of UAV swarm system.

Bio: Professor Zhang Ren, male, born in Puyang, Henan Province in September 1957. Professor, doctoral supervisor, School of Automation, Beihang University, director of "Precision Guidance Technology Research Center"; Distinguished professor of "Cheungkong Scholars Program" of the Ministry of Education, expert enjoying special government allowance issued by the State Council, young and middle-aged expert with outstanding contributions to national defense industry, member of the fifth Discipline Evaluation Group of the Degree Appraisal Committee of the State Council; Expert of "Precision Guidance Technology" Professional Group of General Armament Department, guidance expert of major research plan of Natural Science Foundation Commission, expert of a major national 863 project, deputy leader of "operation support" Professional Group of national civil aircraft special scientific research. Chairman and member of several professional committees of Chinese Aviation Society, Chinese Astronautics Society, Chinese Command and Control Society, and Chinese Automation Society; Deputy director and member of the academic committee of the state key laboratory of "control integration technology" and "aerospace intelligent control technology", deputy director and member of the editorial board of core journals such as "systems engineering and electronic technology", "electro-optics and control", "navigation positioning and timing" and so on.

Professor Zhang Ren has the application background of aircraft in aviation, aerospace and other high-tech fields, mainly engaged in the research of basic theory and technology in the fields of aircraft navigation, guidance and control, swarm intelligence and collaborative control. He has won one third prize of national scientific and technological invention, one first prize of technical invention of the Ministry of Education, one first prize of scientific and technological progress of China Command and Control Society, one first prize of invention and entrepreneurship award of China Invention Association, eight second prizes of provincial and ministerial scientific and technological progress, one second prize of China's domestic-university-research cooperation innovation achievements; one second prize of national teaching achievements, one first prize of Beijing teaching achievements. In recent years, he has published more than 500 high-level academic papers and 8 monographs, including more than 180 SCI citations, and has high academic attainments and academic reputation in the fields of international guidance navigation and control, swarm intelligence and collaborative control.