Avian-Inspired Multifunctional Morphing Air Vehicles: Underpinning Biological Research
Abstract
Designs for aerial vehicles based on inspiration from nature is a concept that has been effective for over a hundred years. Early pioneers recognised control authority to be a greater challenge than the generation of lift and thrust, and used wing warping to solicit asymmetric forces and torques. In the interim, wing flexibility as a facilitator of flight control has been neglected in favour of more tractable rigid body dynamics. More recently, the benefits of wing morphing are being revisited with bio-inspiration again playing a key role in the identification of innovations that can produce step-changes in capability. The ability to modulate forces and torques on the airframe by smooth and continuous variation in lifting surface morphology has long been exhibited by birds. For vehicles it confers significant advantages for control, flight performance, fuel economy and reduced radar visibility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 17, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1165480
Entities
People
- James R Usherwood
- Richard J. Bomphrey
Organizations
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London