Micro-Scale Flapping Wings for the Advancement of Flying MEMS
Abstract
This research presents conceptual micro air vehicles (MAV) with total dimensions less than one millimeter. The effort sought to advance understanding of MAV at sub-millimeter dimensions by fabricating and testing micro scale flapping wings. The biomimetic wings derived from three different insects; the dragonfly, house fly, and butterfly, were selected based off of their natural attributes. The fabricated wings utilize a thermal bimorph structure consisting of polysilicon and gold which allows device actuation through joule heating. The released micro wing initially deflections upward due to residual stress between the gold and polysilicon material layers. Joule heating, from an applied bias, forces the wing to deflect toward the substrate due to the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the material layers. Each fabricated bio-wing structure was tested for deflection range as well as operating frequency. From the experimental testing of the micro scale flapping bio-wings, aerodynamic values were calculated to include: aspect ratio, reduced frequency in a hover, Reynolds number of a hovering device, drag force, and gravitational force. The research verified insect based wings on the micro scale are capable of producing the desired flapping motion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA497687
Entities
People
- Nicholas R. Coleman
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology