Modelling, Simulation, and Control of a Quadcopter

This session reviews how engineering and science students use software simulation tools to develop a deeper understanding of complex multidomain applications. A quadcopter UAV example is used to showcase how the fundamental mathematics concepts introduced in the earlier years of a science or engineering degree work hand in hand with the higher-level numerical methods and control design concepts taught in the later years.

The session demonstrates:

• How the new MATLAB^® Live Editor can demystify rotation matrix sequences and enliven the teaching of concepts associated with moments of inertia
• How Simulink^® can model and solve the 6-DOF equations of motion of a rigid body (building, solving, implementing equations, and incorporating the rotation matrix concepts along the way)
• How to linearize a 6-DOF model and design controllers for altitude and attitude control