Aerodynamic evaluation of wing shape and wing orientation in four butterfly species using numerical simulations and a low-speed wind tunnel, and its implications for the design of flying micro-robots
Abstract
Many insects are well adapted to long-distance migration despite the larger energetic costs of flight for small body sizes. To optimize wing design for next-generation flying micro-robots, we analyse butterfly wing shapes and wing orientations at full scale using numerical simulations and in a low-speed wind tunnel at 2, 3.5 and 5 m s−1. The results indicate that wing orientations which maximize wing span lead to the highest glide performance, with lift to drag ratios up to 6.28, while spreading the fore-wings forward can increase the maximum lift produced and thus improve versatility. We discuss the implications for flying micro-robots and how the results assist in understanding the behaviour of the butterfly species tested.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1098/rsfs.2016.0087
Entities
People
- Alejandro Ortega Ancel
- Carter Ithier
- Daniel M. Vogt
- Michael J. Smith
- Mirko Kovac
- Rob Wood
- Rodney Eastwood
Organizations
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Harvard University
- Imperial College London
- Office of Naval Research