Flapping wing performance related to wing planform and wing kinematics

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In the quest for energy efficient flapping wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs), the wing performance is of paramount importance. The wing performance is mainly determined by the wing planform and the wing-beat kinematics. Since the optimization of the wing planform and the wing-beat kinematics is complicated by the flapping wing aerodynamics, most FWMAV designs tend to use standard wing planform and kinematics inspired function of the wing planform and the kinematic pitching amplitude. For this purpose, a quasi-steady aerodynamic model is used to determine the aerodynamic loads. This model allows, opposed to the more computationally costly method of direct numerical simulation, its use in optimization. The average normalized lift force, the average normalized required power and the ratio between those two are visualized as a function of the design variables to define the required wing planform and pitching amplitude for optimal hovering performance. Using different optimization formulations, it was found that several different wing designs result in nearly equal performance. It is shown that there is a lot of design freedom with respect to the design variables. This freedom is also shown in nature by the presence of a huge variety of wing planforms.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 12th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference and 14th AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference Online Proceedings (2012)
Editors s.n.
Place of PublicationIndianapolis, Indiana, USA
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc. (AIAA)
Pages1-11
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)978-1-60086-930-3
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Event12th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference and 14th AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference - Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Duration: 17 Sept 201219 Sept 2012

Publication series

Name
PublisherAIAA

Conference

Conference12th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference and 14th AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityIndianapolis, IN
Period17/09/1219/09/12

Keywords

  • conference contrib. refereed
  • Conf.proc. > 3 pag

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Flapping wing performance related to wing planform and wing kinematics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this