Recent Progress Towards Developing an Insect-Inspired Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the on-going research activities at Shrivenham, aimed at the design of an autonomous flapping-wing micro air vehicle. After introducing the problem of insect wing kinematics and aerodynamics, we describe our quasi-three-dimensional aerodynamic model for flapping wings. This is followed by a brief discussion of some aerodynamic issues relating to the lift-generating leading-edge vortex. New results are then presented on modelling of wing aeroelastic deflections. Finally, some brief observations are made on flight control requirements for an insect-inspired flapping-wing micro air vehicle. Overall, it is shown that successful development of such a vehicle will require a multi-disciplinary approach, with significant developments in a number of disciplines. Progress to date has largely been concerned with hover. Little is known about the requirements for successful manoeuvre.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA478668

Entities

People

  • Kenda Knowles
  • P. C. Wilkins
  • R. W. Zbikowski
  • S. A. Ansari

Organizations

  • Cranfield University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Aerodynamic Forces
  • Aerodynamics
  • Aeroelasticity
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Control Systems
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Flow Visualization
  • Fluid Flow
  • Leading Edges
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanics
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design