Sensitivity Analysis with MATLAB for Student Competition Scores

Introduction

Sensitivity Analysis (SA) is a technique used to measure the impact of uncertainties in input variables on output variables in a model. SA aims to determine which input variables impact the output most and identify the range of values in which the model is most sensitive. This information helps to design a robust model with reduced uncertainties.

SA is practiced in a range of fields, including but not limited to finance, engineering, and economics. Specifically, in the field of engineering design, it helps engineers optimize their designs and to improve the quality, reliability, and performance of the system. Model aircraft design competitions, such as the AIAA DBF and SAE Aero Design, are no exception. SA is used here specifically to evaluate score sensitivity. It helps teams identify the most sensitive design variables and optimize their vehicle designs to maximize their score.

For the current demo, our attention will be on the student competition score function. Especially competitions focused on model aircraft design, i.e., AIAA Design Build Fly, SAE AeroDesign, etc., as a case study to investigate how distinctive design variables affect the mission score. To demonstrate this, we will use the scoring function, from the AIAA Design Build Fly Competition 2021 Rule Book, with MATLAB plotting approach. By the end of this demo, you will better understand how to make informed design choices to optimize the competition score.

Setup

To run:

1. Download the repository and extract it to your local directory.
2. In the MATLAB environment make this directory as current folder.
3. Open the file either by double clicking on the 'Sensivity_Analysis_with_MATLAB_for_Student_Competition_Score.mlx' in the Current Folder Window or by running the command, open('Sensivity_Analysis_with_MATLAB_for_Student_Competition_Score') in MATLAB Command Window.
4. Run the file by clicking on the Run Button available in the Live Editor menu bar.

MathWorks Products (https://www.mathworks.com)

1. MATLAB release R2022a or higher

Additional resources

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1. MATLAB Onramp
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3. Get Started with Introductory MATLAB Videos

License

The license for Sensitivity Analysis with MATLAB for Student Competition Scores is available in the License.txt file in this GitHub repository.

For any queries, contact the authors at roboticsarena@mathworks.com

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