A novel methodology for wing sizing of bio-inspired flapping wing micro air vehicles: theory and prototype

Hassanalian, Mostafa; Abdelkefi, Abdessattar; Wei, Mingjun; Ziaei-Rad, Saeed

doi:10.1007/s00707-016-1757-4

Cited by 90 publications

(67 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…As there are a number of drone configurations, they can vary in size greatly. This work is focused on the MAV class, which is defined to range in wingspan from 15 to 100 cm and in weight from 50 to 2000 g [28]. To begin the design process, a general weight estimation is necessary, and in this work, the drone to be developed is estimated to weigh approximately 100 grams.…”

Section: Sizing Process Of the Flapping Wingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards Bio-Inspiration, Development, and Manufacturing of a Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle

Lane

Throneberry

Fernández

et al. 2020

Drones

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Throughout the last decade, there has been an increased demand for intricate flapping-wing drones with different capabilities than larger drones. The design of flapping-wing drones is focused on endurance and stability, as these are two of the main challenges of these systems. Researchers have recently been turning towards bioinspiration as a way to enhance aerodynamic performance. In this work, the propulsion system of a flapping-wing micro air vehicle is investigated to identify the limitations and drawbacks of specific designs. Each system has a tandem wing configuration inspired by a dragonfly, with wing shapes inspired by a bumblebee. For the design of this flapping-wing, a sizing process is carried out. A number of actuation mechanisms are considered, and two different mechanisms are designed and integrated into a flapping-wing system and compared to one another. The second system is tested using a thrust stand to investigate the impact of wing configurations on aerodynamic force production and the trend of force production from varying flapping frequency. Results present the optimal wing configuration of those tested and that an angle of attack of two degrees yields the greatest force production. A tethered flight test is conducted to examine the stability and aerodynamic capabilities of the drone, and challenges of flapping-wing systems and solutions that can lead to successful flight are presented. Key challenges to the successful design of these systems are weight management, force production, and stability and control.

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Section: Sizing Process Of the Flapping Wingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards Bio-Inspiration, Development, and Manufacturing of a Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle

Lane

Throneberry

Fernández

et al. 2020

Drones

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“…The kinematics of the inspired flapping wings are shown in Table 3 for both considered scenarios, that is, the hovering and forward flight modes. The kinematics for the analysis were chosen based on typical values for flapping wings of the same size [7]. It should be noted that as the size of a flapping wing is reduced, the flapping frequency must increase in order to maintain flight.…”

Section: Calculating the Moment Of Inertia For The Wingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It should be noted that as the size of a flapping wing is reduced, the flapping frequency must increase in order to maintain flight. Hassanalian et al [7] has presented an empirical equation for flapping frequency estimation. In addition, Ghommem et al [44] have recently published a work on the design and fabrication of a flapping wing NAV and have estimated a flapping frequency of 20-47 Hz.…”

Section: Calculating the Moment Of Inertia For The Wingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Depending on the size of the flapping wing, different methods have been proposed, based on allometric data, to suggest the appropriate values for the frequencies of these drones. In the suggested methods, the required frequencies for flapping wings are usually expressed as a function of the other parameters, such as mass, wingspan, wing area, air density, and gravity acceleration of the drone [7]. In this part of the study, the impact of the flapping frequency on flight performance of flapping wings is examined.…”

Section: Role Of Kinematic Parameters On Flight Performance Of Flappimentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Flapping wing drones have advantages which include maneuverability, implementing different flight modes, and flexibility, etc. ; they therefore often show better performance than other configurations such as fixed and rotary wings [6,7]. Flapping wings have become available for a wide spectrum of applications including civilian missions, which include search and rescue operations during natural disasters, and in military operations for suspect monitoring, reconnaissance, and planning attack strategies [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Insights into Sensitivity of Wing Shape and Kinematic Parameters Relative to Aerodynamic Performance of Flapping Wing Nano Air Vehicles

Throneberry

Hassanalian

Abdelkefi

2019

Drones

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In this work, seven wings inspired from insects’ wings, including those inspired by the bumblebee, cicada, cranefly, fruitfly, hawkmoth, honeybee, and twisted parasite, are patterned and analyzed in FlapSim software in forward and hovering flight modes for two scenarios, namely, similar wingspan (20 cm) and wing surface (0.005 m2). Considering their similar kinematics, the time histories of the aerodynamic forces of lift, thrust, and required mechanical power of the inspired wings are calculated, shown, and compared for both scenarios. The results obtained from FlapSim show that wing shape strongly impacts the performance and aerodynamic characteristics of the chosen seven wings. To study the effects of different geometrical and physical factors including flapping frequency, elevation amplitude, pronation amplitude, stroke-plane angle, flight speed, wing material, and wingspan, several analyses are carried out on the honeybee-inspired shape, which had a 20 cm wingspan. This study can be used to evaluate the efficiency of different bio-inspired wing shapes and may provide a guideline for comparing the performance of flapping wing nano air vehicles with forward flight and hovering capabilities.

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A Comprehensive Study on Design and Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Reddy¹,

Rao²,

Hrishikesh³

et al. 2023

Drone Technology

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A novel methodology for wing sizing of bio-inspired flapping wing micro air vehicles: theory and prototype

Cited by 90 publications

References 39 publications

Towards Bio-Inspiration, Development, and Manufacturing of a Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle

Towards Bio-Inspiration, Development, and Manufacturing of a Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle

Insights into Sensitivity of Wing Shape and Kinematic Parameters Relative to Aerodynamic Performance of Flapping Wing Nano Air Vehicles

A Comprehensive Study on Design and Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

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