Effects of asymmetrical inflow in forward flight on the deformation of interacting flapping wings

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Abstract

This study investigates the wing deformation of a flapping-wing micro air vehicle (MAV) in climbing and forward flight conditions. A measurement setup was developed that maintains adequate viewing axes of the wings for all pitch angles. Recordings of a high-speed camera pair are processed using a point tracking algorithm, allowing 136 points per wing to be measured simultaneously with an estimated accuracy of 0.25mm. Results of the climbing flight study show that although inflow is symmetric, the wing deformations are slightly asymmetric. Furthermore, it was found that an air-buffer remains present between the wing surfaces at all times, especially with increased freestream velocity. Apart from a minor camber reduction, the clapand- peel motion remains mostly unchanged for changing velocities, while during the remaining cycle the incidence angle and camber ratio are reduced, together with the angle of attack. In forward flight the clap-and-peel motion is twisted around its contact area to align with the inflow direction, while the general deformation remains unchanged, suggesting similar effectiveness as in hover. Positive mean incidence angles are present for the entire cycle, especially for fast forward flight and stroke reversals. Furthermore, camber is positive during downstroke, while approaching zero for the upstroke in fast forward flight, which suggests low loading during the upstroke.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Micro Air Vehicle Competition and Conference
Number of pages10
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventInternational Micro Air Vehicle Competition and Conference 2019 - Madrid, Spain
Duration: 30 Sept 20194 Oct 2019
Conference number: 11
http://www.imavs.org/2019/

Conference

ConferenceInternational Micro Air Vehicle Competition and Conference 2019
Abbreviated titleIMAV 2019
Country/TerritorySpain
CityMadrid
Period30/09/194/10/19
Internet address

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