It is abundantly clear that Unmanned Ariel Vehicles (UAV) are impacting science and society in way that could not have been imagined Great advantages can be gained by this technology, as well great dangers. The PI has been designing an Intellectual Foundation Program (IFP) course with FAU student Traci Johnson (FAA pilot and Drone pilot) to confront these issues and to better understand the technology and its limitations. Seldom on finds a course so rich and steeped in science and controversy; and hence, fertile ground for the university environment.
What we propose here is the construction of the major laboratory components for this proposed course. We propose an integrated lab to understand the essentials of drone flight. We propose a laboratory and lecture course that involves the CAD design of flight components (propellers, wings, etc), the construction of these components with a 3-D printer, and the testing of these components in a wind tunnel.
We have attached the draft of the syllabus of this IFP course proposal under supporting documentation. This course development has been closely coordinated with Mary Ann Gosser of the IFP office, and much of the work has arisen as a DIS course with a student at FAU (Traci Johnson).
This course will give students at this university an in-depth, but expansive coverage of the issues and science of UAV flight. It is the aim of this course to produce informed academicians that can then be ale to present their views of the benefits and risks of UAV. This is ever so important as there is much practical benefits from these devices, but fear of privacy, safety etc.. can quickly exclude them from the public and further restrict them to a few organizations under strict regulations. Informed decisions based on the science, economics, legal issues and societal impacts should drive policy.
The PI will involve multiple colleges and departments in this course. What we seek here is the minimal laboratory infrastructure to successfully deliver this course. We propose the purchase of (1) 3D printer and supplies, (2) a small wind tunnel, (3) a small one-time stipend for an UG to set up the laboratory demonstrations and equipment. We have already purchased two drones for use in this class.
