Flapping wing dynamics of MAVs: Nonlinear modeling and experimental investigation

作者：DarYa K. Chernova · 发表于：MOspace Institutional Repository (University of Missouri) · 年份：2011 · 研究领域：Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms、Fish Ecology and Management Studies、Fluid Dynamics and Turbulent Flows

The recent need for developing new kinds of small unmanned air vehicles with greater endurance, better control, and hover-ability drives research efforts of many scientists and engineers.This research deals with the analysis of the flapping-wing motion of micro air vehicles (MAVs).Flapping flight is a complex problem that cannot be resolved using a classical steady-wing approach.To study flapping-wing motion involves nonlinear structural analysis that has to be coupled with unsteady fluid mechanics analysis.In this research, a flapping motion is simulated using a fully nonlinear finite element modeling code, GESA.The unsteady aerodynamic loads are estimated using the modified strip theory of DeLaurier with improvements by Han.Moreover, in-flight dynamic wing deformations are experimentally measured using an eight-camera real-time digital motion analysis system.Numerical and experimental results indicate that flapping-wing dynamics is very complicated and is primarily dominated by the unsteady aerodynamic loads.Hence, a reverse design process is recommended that includes optimization of the time-varying aerodynamic loads with pre-assumed time-varying wing geometries.This research offers a perspective into progress and challenges associated with the design of micro air vehicles.Today, information is readily available, however, not in a systematic way.This research attempts to systematize some particularly useful information for MAV development.It also presents a new experimenta...