Study of the Use of Time-Mean Vortices to Generate Lift for MAV Applications
Abstract
This work presents a novel mechanism to generate lift towards application in micro air vehicles (MAV). Characteristics of time-mean microvortices under a range of conditions were studied via in-plane oscillation of a flat plate with and without suitable micro-structure on the plate's top surface. Methodologically, experimental approach is first commenced followed by computation to study a wide range of parameter space. The microdevice leverages on Lorentz force to drive the suspended MEMS-based microplate to in-plane resonance. Computational effort centers around optimization of a range of parameters (geometry, frequency, amplitude of oscillation, etc.) to generate time mean lift. Results suggest the mechanism of time-mean vortex generation under periodic in-plane oscillation of a flat plate is predominantly due to nonlinear effect of acoustic streaming near the finite edges. Multiple vortices configuration was also commenced through spatial geometric variation on the plate. Relationship between vortices, pressure distribution and resultant lift are characterized through a range of parameter space. Net lift is found for cases where frequency is high and under large oscillation amplitude. Results should be applicable to realization of lift on MAV since a relatively simple mechanism of in-plane oscillation of a tuned structure is considered quite feasible. This mode of oscillation should be simple to implement in actual practice, and does not require asymmetric flapping of flexible wing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA544222
Entities
People
- Andrew Wo
Organizations
- National Taiwan University