Search Results

The effect of various wing parameters on the performance of a micro air vehicle using insect-like flapping wings is studied. A nonlinear aerodynamic model that was developed for modelling the flow associated with such wings in the hover is used to make a parametric study. The effects of both wing kinematics and wing shape on a flapping wing is investigated by considering their influence on lift and lift-to-torque ratio. A default set of parameters is defined and wing performance is measured with respect to this benchmark case. It is found that lift is greater for larger stroke amplitudes and higher flapping frequencies, varying almost as the square in both cases. The effect of advanced wing rotation is generally to improve the lift performance but lift-to-torque ratio begins to diminish beyond a lead of about 5% of the flapping cycle.

The motivation for investigating micro air vehicles (MAVs) is given, and the advantages of insect-like flapping-wing MAVs (FMAVs) over other possible solutions are shown to be manifold. The complex kinematics of an insect-like flapping wing, and the highly unsteady flow produced by this motion, are examined. The inability of conventional, steady, aerodynamics to explain the large forces produced by such mechanisms is shown. A review is made of some early techniques in unsteady aerodynamics, followed by an examination of some more recent attempts to analyse the problem. Finally, the scope of the current research is explained, and a research plan is outlined.