A Dynamic Cluster Head Selecting Algorithm for UAV Ad Hoc Networks

Earthquake is a frequent natural disaster, and the rescue after earthquake is more difficult than those after other disasters because earthquake destroys the ground as well as the communication facilities on it. In this case, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a good choice for survivals searching, and Ad hoc networks are a possible means for communication. As a combination, UAV Ad hoc networks play an important role in emergency rescue and communication system. However, UAV networks are unstable and resource limited, including energy resources and communication resources. The cluster heads in a clustered UAV network are more fragile to these disadvantages. In order to balance the cluster head selecting ratio and decline the collision probability, this paper proposes a dynamic cluster head selecting algorithm based on energy, mobility, distance, and node correlation degree. The algorithm calculates the weights of the UAVs according to the above-mentioned four parameters, and selects the best cluster heads. According to simulation results, the proposed algorithm declines the cluster head changing ratio and improves the packet delivery ratio.