This project includes the research, design, and implementation of a gas-sensing autonomous terrain vehicle robot. The goal of this project is to localize the source of a plume of CO2 gas using CO2 sensors onboard the robot. To implement a gradient ascent guidance policy, the robot receives measurements from the CO2 sensors and computes the angle of highest concentration to turn toward the source. An Extended Kalman Filter is used to estimate the position of the robot while in motion, using data from magnetic rotary encoders and an inertial measurement unit. A mass flow controller and sparger diffuser are used to dependably simulate the point source plume. This work on plume detection and estimation has applicability for all unmanned vehicles tracking plumes in a multitude of environments.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Burris, Katherine Elizabeth
• Herrington, Spencer Wynn
• Bender, Theresa
• Weber, Daniel C

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-031919-120423

Advisor

• Demetriou, Michael A.

Year

• 2019

Date created

• 2019-03-19

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Aerospace Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright