Quadcopter parametric frame

Multicopter frames are typically constructed from lightweight and rigid materials like carbon fiber to provide strength while minimizing weight. Carbon fiber frames utilize composite laminates made up of layers of carbon fiber cloth soaked in epoxy resin. The laminate sheets are laid up in a mold to form the desired frame shape and then cured in an autoclave process that heat and pressure to bond the layers into a stiff, light monocoque structure.

The geometries of multicopter frames need to balance structural integrity for vibration resistance and crash durability with weight savings. Central body plates support the critical components like flight controllers, batteries, and cameras while arm members connect to the motors and propellers. Arm dimensions and motor spacing are directly related to the size of the propellers used.

This parametric quadcopter frame model was designed to augment drone design calculations, with the knowledge of the frame weight relation to its size. After selecting a proper frame size based on the response curves constructed for this model, the frame can be instantiated based on the evaluated parameters: plate thickness, compartment heights, central plate size, and others.

CAD model is available here