scholarly journals Study of Mosquito Aerodynamics for Imitation as a Small Robot and Flight in a Low-Density Environment

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 511
Author(s):  
Balbir Singh ◽  
Noorfaizal Yidris ◽  
Adi Azriff Basri ◽  
Raghuvir Pai ◽  
Kamarul Arifin Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Edge Vortex ◽  
Small Robot ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Stroke Amplitude

In terms of their flight and unusual aerodynamic characteristics, mosquitoes have become a new insect of interest. Despite transmitting the most significant infectious diseases globally, mosquitoes are still among the great flyers. Depending on their size, they typically beat at a high flapping frequency in the range of 600 to 800 Hz. Flapping also lets them conceal their presence, flirt, and help them remain aloft. Their long, slender wings navigate between the most anterior and posterior wing positions through a stroke amplitude about 40 to 45°, way different from their natural counterparts (>120°). Most insects use leading-edge vortex for lift, but mosquitoes have additional aerodynamic characteristics: rotational drag, wake capture reinforcement of the trailing-edge vortex, and added mass effect. A comprehensive look at the use of these three mechanisms needs to be undertaken—the pros and cons of high-frequency, low-stroke angles, operating far beyond the normal kinematic boundary compared to other insects, and the impact on the design improvements of miniature drones and for flight in low-density atmospheres such as Mars. This paper systematically reviews these unique unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of mosquito flight, responding to the potential questions from some of these discoveries as per the existing literature. This paper also reviews state-of-the-art insect-inspired robots that are close in design to mosquitoes. The findings suggest that mosquito-based small robots can be an excellent choice for flight in a low-density environment such as Mars.

scholarly journals Influence of Thickness Variation on the Flapping Performance of Symmetric NACA Airfoils in Plunging Motion

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liangyu Zhao ◽  
Shuxing Yang
Keyword(s):  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Parametric Method ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Thickness Variation ◽  
Thrust Coefficient ◽  
Propulsive Efficiency ◽  
Maximum Thickness ◽  
Class Function ◽  
Edge Vortex ◽  
The Impact

In order to investigate the impact of airfoil thickness on flapping performance, the unsteady flow fields of a family of airfoils from an NACA0002 airfoil to an NACA0020 airfoil in a pure plunging motion and a series of altered NACA0012 airfoils in a pure plunging motion were simulated using computational fluid dynamics techniques. The “class function/shape function transformation“ parametric method was employed to decide the coordinates of these altered NACA0012 airfoils. Under specified plunging kinematics, it is observed that the increase of an airfoil thickness can reduce the leading edge vortex (LEV) in strength and delay the LEV shedding. The increase of the maximum thickness can enhance the time-averaged thrust coefficient and the propulsive efficiency without lift reduction. As the maximum thickness location moves towards the leading edge, the airfoil obtains a larger time-averaged thrust coefficient and a higher propulsive efficiency without changing the lift coefficient.

scholarly journals Unsteady Aerodynamic Characteristics Simulations of Rotor Airfoil under Oscillating Freestream Velocity

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1822
Author(s):  
Qing Wang ◽  
Qijun Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Grid Method ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Critical Value ◽  
Dynamic Stall ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Freestream Velocity ◽  
Unsteady Aerodynamic ◽  
Edge Vortex

The dynamic stall characteristics of rotor airfoil are researched by employing unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method under oscillating freestream velocity conditions. In order to simulate the oscillating freestream velocity of airfoil under dynamic stall conditions, the moving-embedded grid method is employed to simulate the oscillating velocity. By comparing the simulated dynamic stall characteristics of two-dimensional airfoil and three-dimensional rotor, it is indicated that the dynamic stall characteristics of airfoil under oscillating freestream velocity reflect the actual dynamic stall characteristics of rotor airfoil in forward flight more accurately. By comparing the simulated results of OA209 airfoil under coupled freestream velocity/pitching oscillation conditions, it is indicated that the dynamic stall characteristics of airfoil associate with the critical value of Cp peaks (i.e., the dynamic stall characteristics of OA209 airfoil would be enhanced when the maximum negative pressure is larger than −1.08, and suppressed when this value is smaller than −1.08). By comparing the characteristics of vortices under different oscillating velocities, it indicates that the dissipation rate of leading edge vortex presents as exponent characteristics, and it is not sensitive to different oscillating velocities.

Wake Behavior Around Flapping Wings of Model Hawkmoth Moving Sideways

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong-Seob Han ◽  
Jae-Hung Han
Keyword(s):  
Particle Image ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Digital Particle Image Velocimetry ◽  
Flapping Wings ◽  
Windward Side ◽  
Leeward Side ◽  
Image Velocimetry ◽  
Wake Interaction ◽  
Edge Vortex

Abstract This study investigated nearwake behaviors around flapping wings moving sideways. A dynamically scaled-up flapping manipulator was installed on a servo-driven towing carriage to give the sideways movement. In the single wing configuration, the wing in the windward side did not encounter any noticeable effects on the aerodynamic characteristics. The wing in the leeward side, on the other hand, experienced a substantial lift augmentation. We found a stretched leading-edge vortex (LEV) on the wing in the leeward side, implying the additional feeding flux into the LEV. In this case, the moving sideways gave a continuous lateral wind, which became the source to maintain the lift augmentation with the less downward component. We also found that the moving sideways rather intensified the interaction between the wake of the wing in the windward side and the contralateral wing, i.e., the wing-wake interaction. Accordingly, the lift augmentation on the wing in the leeward side practically disappeared by the wing-wake interaction. A digital particle image velocimetry for nearwake behaviors found the less developed trailing-edge shear layer and wingroot vortex traces. This implied that the massive downwash induced by the wing in the windward side was the main source to neutralize the lift augmentation on the contralateral wing.

The Impact of Leakage Flow Tangential Velocity on Secondary Losses in a Shrouded Compressor Cascade

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Kim ◽  
J. S. Lee ◽  
S. J. Song ◽  
T. Kim ◽  
H-. W. Shin
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Tangential Velocity ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Suction Side ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Compressor Cascade ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Leading Edge Vortex ◽  
Edge Vortex ◽  
The Impact

Experimental and numerical studies have been performed to investigate the effects of the leakage flow tangential velocity on the secondary flow and aerodynamic loss in an axial compressor cascade with a labyrinth seal. Six selected leakage flow tangential (vy/Uhub = 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, 0.45, 0.55 and 0.65) have been tested. In addition to the classical “secondary” flow, shroud trailing edge vortex and shroud leading edge vortex are examined. The overall loss decreases with increasing leakage flow tangential velocity. Increased leakage flow tangential velocity underturns the hub endwall flows through the blade passage, weakening the suction side hub corner separation. Due to the suction effect of the downstream cavity, increasing leakage flow tangential velocity weakens the shroud trailing edge vortex. Also, increasing leakage flow tangential velocity strengthens the shroud leading edge vortex, weakening the pressure side leg of the horseshoe vortex, and, in turn, the passage vortex. Thus, the overall loss is reduced with increasing leakage flow tangential velocity.

Impact of Gurney Flaplike Strips on the Aerodynamic and Vortex Flow Characteristic of a Reverse Delta Wing

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Vortex Flow ◽  
Delta Wing ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Force Balance ◽  
Vortex Control ◽  
Lift Curve ◽  
Lift And Drag ◽  
The Impact

The impact of Gurney flaplike strips, of different geometric configurations and heights, on the aerodynamic characteristics and the tip vortices generated by a reverse delta wing (RDW) was investigated via force-balance measurement and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The addition of side-edge strips (SESs) caused a leftward shift of the lift curve, resembling a conventional trailing-edge flap. The large lift increment overwhelmed the corresponding drag increase, thereby leading to an improved lift-to-drag ratio compared to the baseline wing. The lift and drag coefficients were also found to increase with the strip height. The SES-equipped wing also produced a strengthened vortex compared to its baseline wing counterpart. The leading-edge strips (LESs) were, however, found to persistently produce a greatly diffused vortex flow as well as a small-than-baseline-wing lift in the prestall α regime. The downward LES delivered a delayed stall and an increased maximum lift coefficient compared to the baseline wing. The LESs provide a potential wingtip vortex control alternative, while the SESs can enhance the aerodynamic performance of the RDW.

Experimental investigation of the leading edge vortex formation on unsteady boundary layer

2017 ◽  
Vol 232 (18) ◽  
pp. 3263-3280
Author(s):  
Ali R Davari ◽  
Rezvan Abdollahi ◽  
Ehsaneddin Azimizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Adverse Pressure Gradient ◽  
Unsteady Boundary Layer ◽  
Leading Edge Vortex ◽  
Reduced Frequency ◽  
Blade Section ◽  
Edge Vortex ◽  
The Impact

Extensive experimental studies have been performed to investigate the unsteady boundary layer behavior over a plunging wind turbine blade section. The studies have been undertaken at various combinations of reduced frequencies, Reynolds numbers, and locations. A boundary layer rake has been carefully manufactured and utilized for velocity measurements inside the unsteady boundary layer. The measurement has been conducted in pre-static stall conditions. The reduced frequency and free stream velocity have varied from 0.005 to 0.1, and 30 to 60 m/s, respectively. To cover all possible scenarios, the streamwise positions of measurements have been chosen to be in favorable (x/c = 0.37), almost zero (x/c = 0.47), and adverse pressure gradient (x/c = 0.57) regions, on the blade section. The velocity inside the boundary layer has shown high sensitivity to the reduced frequency in the different pressure gradient regions. In some definite test cases, velocity inside boundary layer has shown beating phenomena, which is the result of the periodical appearance of the leading edge vortex. The impact of the leading edge vortex on the velocity has been observed to be more evident, in some cases, in the form of signal beating. This signature has been more evident, as the rake entered the adverse pressure gradient region. In order to quantify this observed phenomenon, the time-dependent velocity data have been transformed into the frequency domain, utilizing the discrete Fourier transformation. Even though the leading edge vortex has been continuously developed on the profile, and then has shed toward the leading edge, during each cycle on a plunging profile, the dominant frequency throughout this process has been measured to be about 4 Hz for this blade section.

scholarly journals Aerodynamic investigation on shifted-back vertical stroke plane of flapping wing in forward flight

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 064001
Author(s):  
Jong-Seob Han ◽  
Christian Breitsamter
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Flapping Wing ◽  
Forward Flight ◽  
Blade Element Theory ◽  
Aerodynamic Model ◽  
Edge Vortex ◽  
Perpendicular Component ◽  
Semi Empirical

Abstract In order to properly understand aerodynamic characteristics in a flapping wing in forward flight, additional aerodynamic parameters apart from those in hover—an inclined stroke plane, a shifted-back stroke plane, and an advance ratio—must be comprehended in advance. This paper deals with the aerodynamic characteristics of a flapping wing in a shifted-back vertical stroke plane in freestream. A scaled-up robotic arm in a water towing tank was used to collect time-varying forces of a model flapping wing, and a semi-empirical quasi-steady aerodynamic model, which can decompose the forces into steady, quasi-steady, and unsteady components, was used to estimate the forces of the model flapping wing. It was found that the shifted-back stroke plane left a part of freestream as a non-perpendicular component, giving rise to a time-course change in the aerodynamic forces during the stroke. This also brought out two quasi-steady components (rotational and added-mass forces) apart from the steady one, even the wing moved with a constant stroke velocity. The aerodynamic model underestimated the actual forces of the model flapping wing even it can cover the increasingly distributed angle of attack of the vertical stroke plane with a blade element theory. The locations of the centers of pressure suggested a greater pressure gradient and an elongated leading-edge vortex along a wingspan than that of the estimation, which may explain the higher actual force in forward flight.

scholarly journals Pulsed Blowing Interacting with a Leading-Edge Vortex

Aerospace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Andrei Buzica ◽  
Christian Breitsamter
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Delta Wing ◽  
Active Flow Control ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Sweep Angle ◽  
Leading Edge Vortex ◽  
Wing Model ◽  
Edge Vortex

Manipulation of vortex instabilities for aerodynamic performance increase is of great interest in numerous aeronautical applications. With increasing angle of attack, the leading-edge vortex of a semi-slender delta wing becomes unsteady and eventually collapses, endangering the flight stability. Hence, active flow control by pulsed blowing stabilizes the vortex system, enlarging the flight envelope for such wing configurations. The most beneficial outcome is the reattachment of the separated shear layer during post-stall, contributing to a lift increase of more than 50%. In contrast to high power consuming brute-force actuation, manipulating the flow instabilities offers a more efficient alternative for mean flow field control, which has direct repercussions on the aerodynamic characteristics. However, the flow mechanisms involving jet–vortex and vortex–vortex interactions and the disturbance convection through the flow field are little understood. This paper reports on the unsteady flow field above a generic half delta wing model with a 65 ° sweep angle and its response to periodic blowing. Numerical and experimental results are presented and discussed in a synergistic manner.

Wind Tunnel Test of Effect of Sound-Absorbing Material on Lift of Two-Element Airfoil

2013 ◽  
Vol 830 ◽  
pp. 17-23
Author(s):  
Yong Wei Gao ◽  
Qi Liang Zhu ◽  
Long Wang
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Wind Tunnel Test ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Fluctuating Pressure ◽  
Flow Parameters ◽  
Absorbing Material

The flow parameters of fluctuating pressure and fluctuating velocity in the gap can be changed by the porous absorption material on the leading edge of upper surface of the flap of multi-element airfoil (GAW-1),and the aerodynamic characteristics is also altered. Experiment was conducted in the NF-3 wind tunnel. It turns out that porous absorption material has a significant effect on fluctuating velocity (i.e. turbulent kinetic energy), and the lift coefficient drops when fluctuating velocity increases ; but the influence on RMS of fluctuating pressure on upper surface is not obvious; the average speed in gap is reduced. The PSD of fluctuating pressure and fluctuating velocity show that low-frequency signal has a more obvious influence on lift of multi-element airfoils than high-frequency.

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