Enhancing UAS safety through building-induced dangerous zones prediction: concept and simulations

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive approach to operational estimation of the zones of danger for the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) generated at low altitudes in presence of buildings, aimed at ensuring their safer operation. The main tasks are three. The first one is the definition of an inboard measurement methodology appropriate and feasible for UAS that allows Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) estimation. An inboard setup with a lightweight and low-cost anemometer operating at a 1 Hz sampling rate, immediately usable on UAS, is proposed. The second one is the definition of empirical equations to estimate the size of dangerous areas for the UAS flights around buildings through numerical simulation. The third one is the validation of the empirical formulas in a real-world case, through the numerical simulation of a group of buildings belonging to a research centre. Results show a good resemblance in the size of the danger zones, highlighting that this multi-faceted approach contributes to enhanced safety protocols for UASs operating in urban environments.This study presents a comprehensive approach to operational estimation of the zones of danger for the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) generated at low altitudes in presence of buildings, aimed at ensuring their safer operation. The main tasks are three. The first one is the definition of an inboard measurement methodology appropriate and feasible for UAS that allows Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) estimation. An inboard setup with a lightweight and low-cost anemometer operating at a 1 Hz sampling rate, immediately usable on UAS, is proposed. The second one is the definition of empirical equations to estimate the size of dangerous areas for the UAS flights around buildings through numerical simulation. The third one is the validation of the empirical formulas in a real-world case, through the numerical simulation of a group of buildings belonging to a research centre. Results show a good resemblance in the size of the danger zones, highlighting that this multi-faceted approach contributes to enhanced safety protocols for UASs operating in urban environments.