Position: Bachelor or Master Thesis Student – UAV Design and Aerodynamic Analysis
Location: NIKO Technologies Ltd., Gabrovo
Type: Internship / Thesis Project
About this Position:
Are you passionate about Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in aerospace design? We are looking for a highly motivated and technically skilled student to work on a Bachelor or Master thesis project focused on developing and analyzing a parametric model of a UAV using OpenVSP (Open Vehicle Sketch Pad).
This project will give you hands-on experience in UAV conceptual design, aerodynamic analysis, and optimization. You will work closely with our R&D team to develop a fully parametric model of a UAV, perform aerodynamic simulations, and optimize the design for real-world applications.
Project Overview:
The primary goal of this thesis is to set up, refine, and analyze a UAV model using OpenVSP. The project will involve:
- Creating a parametric UAV model using OpenVSP, focusing on wings, fuselage, propulsion, and control surfaces.
- Performing aerodynamic analysis using built-in tools like VSPAero to evaluate key parameters such as lift-to-drag ratio, stability, and control effectiveness.
- Optimizing the UAV design based on mission profiles (e.g., endurance, range, or payload capacity).
- Validating results by comparing them with existing UAV data or external simulation tools such as CFD.
Link to detailed project overview
- Work on a fully parametric design of a UAV using OpenVSP.
- Conduct aerodynamic analysis and optimization of the model.
- Collaborate with the engineering team to integrate the UAV model into broader project goals.
- Prepare a detailed report and presentation on the project findings.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (ongoing) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Knowledge of aircraft design principles, especially related to UAVs.
- Familiarity with OpenVSP or similar parametric design software is a plus, but training can be provided.
- Experience or knowledge in aerodynamics and tools like VSPAero or CFD software (e.g., OpenFOAM, XFLR5 is beneficial.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
What We Offer:
- Opportunity to work on a real-world UAV design project.
- Hands-on experience with OpenVSP and aerodynamic analysis tools.
- Mentorship from experienced aerospace engineers and researchers.
- Flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work.
- Potential career opportunities within our company after the thesis.
How to Apply:
If you’re interested in taking your UAV design skills to the next level, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a short cover letter, and a copy of your academic transcript to info@nikotechnologies.com with the subject line "Thesis Application – UAV Design".