Abstract
This paper shows the design and analysis of the actuation mechanism for a four winged
flapping wing MAV. The design is set up to exploit resonant properties, as exhibited by
flying insects, to reduce the energy expenditure and to provide amplitude amplification.
In order to achieve resonance a significantly flexible structure has to be incorporated into
the design. The elastic structure used for the body of the MAV is a ring type structure. The
ring is coupled to the wings by a compliant amplification mechanism which transforms
and amplifies the ring deflection into the large wing root rotation. After initial sizing, the
structures are analyzed by finite elements (eigenvalue and transient analysis). Based on
the initial analysis, the structures are realized to be tested later.
The wings are first analyzed independent of the structure in order to tune wing hinge
stiffness to efficiently generate lift, exploiting passive wing pitching. The wings are
tuned by using a quasi-steady aerodynamic model. The tuned wings are tested to judge if
manufactured wings reflect the predicted performance.
The ring-shaped thorax structure is combined with the wings to test resonant
performance of the assembled structure. A test setup is built to quantify lift production.
Lift is tested by suspending the prototype on a flexible beam and measuring changes in
deflection when the model is actuated. Significant lift is produced using the current
prototype. Kinematic patterns present during resonant actuation show correct timing of
wing rotation.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 263-272 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | International Journal of Micro Air Vehicles |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Bibliographical note
NEOKeywords
- academic journal papers
- Peer-lijst tijdschrift