Institution news
An educational aerodynamics competition, Propellair aims to boost the technical knowledge and practical skills of Pakistani students.
This year’s event, Propellair’17, marks the fourth edition of a technical legacy, first started by the IMechE Student Chapter in 2014. Teams from educational institutions all over Pakistan, including NEDUET, NUST PNEC, DHA SUFFA, GIKI, PAF KIET, BAHRIA and Nazeer Hussain University, were invited to take part.
Twenty seven teams registered, a notable increase from the handful that entered the competition in 2014, to take part in either the RC Plane Competition or the ‘Aerial Escapades’ Quadcopter Competition.
Technical workshop
On the 12 May 2017, prior to the actual Propellair event, teams took part in a workshop, aimed at providing all the details of creating an RC plane and a quadcopter. The workshop focused on helping participants to increase their knowledge of aerodynamics, design and fabrication of a remote control plane. Students were provided with a practical platform in which to test the theories they have learnt and view them from a practical aspect.
The workshop, held at the main NEDUET campus, was conducted by severalaccomplished members from our technica wing, who each delivered a session:
- Rules and regulations of the competitions (Mr. Muhammad Hammad)
- Basic aerodynamics and flight mechanics (Mr. Fozan Khan)
- Fabrication of RC planes (Mr. Umer)
- Design and fabrication of quadcopters (Mr. Affan).
Competition details
To participate, teams had to consist of 3-6 students, at least one of which had to be a current IMechE member. They could enter under either the heavyweight or lightweight category.
Each team (23 in the RC Plane Competition and four in the ‘Aerial Escapades’ Quadcopter competition) was required to complete a theoretical test, conducted via Aviva Voice, and an expert supervised N-test.
They were also required to submit a detailed report of their work and CAD model along with CFD analysis of their design by 24 July, 2017. Additional bonus points were given to those with CFD analysis of their designs.
Teams were then invited to present their designs in front of the entire NEDUET University, something which, in the past, has often served as inspiration to other students and increased awareness of the competition.
Following this, the audience was treated to a mind-blowing Airshow as our esteemed pilots Mr. Ahad Wali and Mr Riaz, put their crafts through a series of aerial stunts.
Results:
- Light weight category
- Winner: NUST Airworks
- 1st runners-up: Qaswa
- 2nd runners-up: Falconicals
- 3rd runners-up: ABABEEL
- Heavy weight category
- Winners: Sherdil
- Most innovative design: Dul Dul
- Most unique design: AeroX
- Aerial Escapades
- Winner: DSU Acromaniac
- Runners-up: NUST Airworks