A dynamic team consisting of four BS Mechanical Engineering students specializing in Aeronautical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering (FOE) at the University of Balamand (UOB) has embarked on designing a cutting-edge Remote-Controlled Quadcopter titled "RAPD - Rotar Aircraft with Payload Drop." Under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Jihad Rishmany, Chairperson of the Mechanical Engineering Department, the team, consisting of students Enrico Abou Jaoude, Celine Ahmar, Rayn Nasr, and Majd Shreif, has collaboratively designed and manufactured the quadcopter as part of their BS final year project.

The project aimed to design a low-noise propeller through numerical simulation followed by experimental testing. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the team evaluated the quadcopter’s aerodynamic performance and noise characteristics. Various tests revealed an improved behavior of toroidal shaped blades compared to conventional ones in terms of noise and thrust generation. Moreover, the team designed and equipped the quadcopter with a latch mechanism allowing a payload drop. Finally, two cameras were added for real-time vision enabling photo shooting and video recording.

When asked for their personal insight on the project, the team agreed that this innovative design not only enhanced their knowledge of aerodynamics, acoustics, and simulation techniques, but also enhanced their abilities to address real-world engineering challenges.

Chairperson and advisor, Dr. Jihad Rishmany, commended the efforts of the team members, and praised their ability to conduct research and integrate their findings into engineering design.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud expressed his sincere congratulations to the team and their advisor for their innovative design and exceptional achievement. He highlighted "This project reflects the creativity and technical expertise that our students possess, showcasing their readiness to contribute to the evolving field of Aeronautical Engineering. Their ability to blend theory with practical application is a testament to the high caliber of education and mentorship at FOE. Professor Abboud further emphasized how this student-led design aligns with and advances international accreditation standards, particularly in the area of design and in meeting the SDGs targets".





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