Dynamic Stability of Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicles With Unsteady Aerodynamic Model

Volume 1A, Symposia: Keynotes; Advances in Numerical Modeling for Turbomachinery Flow Optimization; Fluid Machinery; Industrial and Environmental Applications of Fluid Mechanics; Pumping Machinery ◽

10.1115/fedsm2017-69568 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Jae-Hung Han ◽

Anh Tuan Nguyen

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Stability ◽

Ground Effect ◽

Micro Air Vehicles ◽

Numerical Approach ◽

Linearization Method ◽

Flapping Wing ◽

Free Flight ◽

Unsteady Aerodynamic ◽

Aerodynamic Model ◽

Air Vehicles

In this paper, we introduce a numerical approach based on an unsteady aerodynamic model to study the dynamic stability of insect-like flapping-wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs). Trimmed free flight of FWMAVs is simulated by a framework that couples the unsteady potential-based aerodynamic model and a multibody dynamics code. Flight dynamic modal structures are obtained by a linearization method. This paper also briefly presents the applications of the abovementioned approach to study several problems associated with the flight dynamic stability of FWMAVs, such as the effects of body aerodynamics and wing flexibility, as well as the ground effect.

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Bio-inspired design of flapping-wing micro air vehicles

The Aeronautical Journal ◽

10.1017/s0001924000000804 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 109 (1098) ◽

pp. 385-393 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

K. D. Jones ◽

C. J. Bradshaw ◽

J. Papadopoulos ◽

M. F. Platzer

Keyword(s):

Aspect Ratio ◽

Figure Of Merit ◽

Ground Effect ◽

Micro Air Vehicles ◽

Flapping Wing ◽

Flapping Wings ◽

Rechargeable Battery ◽

Flight Testing ◽

Low Aspect Ratio ◽

Air Vehicles

AbstractIn this paper the development and flight testing of flapping-wing propelled, radio-controlled micro air vehicles are described. The unconventional vehicles consist of a low aspect ratio fixed-wing with a trailing pair of higher aspect ratio flapping wings which flap in counterphase. The symmetric flapping-wing pair provides a mechanically and aerodynamically balanced platform, increases efficiency by emulating flight in ground effect, and suppresses stall over the main wing by entraining flow. The models weigh as little as 11g, with a 23cm span and 18cm length and will fly for about 20 minutes on a rechargeable battery. Stable flight at speeds between 2 and 5ms–1has been demonstrated, and the models are essentially stall-proof while under power. The static-thrust figure of merit for the device is 60% higher than propellers with a similar scale and disk loading.

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Modeling and Simulation of Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicles

Volume 7: 29th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference, Parts A and B ◽

10.1115/detc2005-85237 ◽

2005 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Zaeem A. Khan ◽

Sunil K. Agrawal

Keyword(s):

Experimental Investigation ◽

Modeling And Simulation ◽

Micro Air Vehicles ◽

Flapping Wing ◽

Micro Air Vehicle ◽

Preliminary Design ◽

Unsteady Aerodynamic ◽

Aerodynamic Model ◽

Air Vehicle ◽

Simulation Results

This paper presents modeling and simulation of a flapping wing micro air vehicle. The overall geometry of this vehicle is based on hummingbirds and large insects. The purpose of this study is to understand the mechanics of flight and to achieve a preliminary design based on simulation results. A quasi-unsteady aerodynamic model is used based on in-house experimental investigation of flapping wing aerodynamics. The simulation results reveal important information regarding the behaviour of the system, that could be used in future designs.

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