Flexibility Effects of a Flapping Mechanism Inspired by Insect Musculoskeletal System on Flight Performance

Abstract

Flying animals such as insects display great flight performances with high stability and maneuverability even under unpredictable disturbances in natural and man-made environments. Unlike man-made mechanical systems like a drone, insects can achieve various flapping motions through their flexible musculoskeletal systems. However, it remains poorly understood whether flexibility affects flight performances or not. Here, we conducted an experimental study on the effects of the flexibility associated with the flapping mechanisms on aerodynamic performance with a flexible flapping mechanism (FFM) inspired by the flexible musculoskeletal system of insects. Based on wing kinematic and force measurements, we found an appropriate combination of the flexible components could improve the aerodynamic efficiency by increasing the wingbeat amplitude. Results of the wind tunnel experiments suggested that, through some passive adjustment of the wing kinematics in concert with the flexible mechanism, the disturbance-induced effects could be suppressed. Therefore, the flight stability under the disturbances is improved. While the FFM with the most rigid spring was least efficient in the static experiments, the model was most robust against the wind within the range of the study. Our results, particularly regarding the trade-off between the efficiency and the robustness, point out the importance of the passive response of the flapping mechanisms, which may provide a functional biomimetic design for the flapping micro air vehicles (MAVs) capable of achieving high efficiency and stability.

Development of a flapping mechanism inspired by the flexible wing-base structure of insects for wing motion control

“…The flexible feature of the flapping mechanism may be advantageous for the development of flapping wing MAVs, which can fly in various flight modes, including gliding, in various environments, similar to dragonflies (Bomphrey et al, 2016) because distinct wing motions are necessary for different flight modes. Flexibility at the wing base may be advantageous for mitigating the gust effect passively, as shown in a previous study (Koizumi et al, 2021); to confirm this in the future study, a wind tunnel experiment is required.…”

“…The frame at the leading-edge and the chord were made by cutting a 0.25 mm CFRP sheet. These frames sandwiched the wing membrane and hinge film, and carbon shafts were inserted to hold the components in place (detailed fabrication method described by Koizumi et al, 2021). The wing membrane and hinge film were fabricated using 7.5 µm (Kapton, Du Pont-Toray Co., Ltd.) and 80 µm (Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.) polyimide film in thickness, respectively.…”

Enhancing Visual Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Office Lighting Using Parametric-Generative Design Approach for Interactive Kinetic Louvers

“…Biomimetic defined as a science that explore biological analogies to observe their form, function, and living ecosystem in nature then imitating these adaptive principles to produce sustainable solutions [40]. For example, there are special movements of plants in response to light stimulus [41] and various flapping motions of insects [42]. Although there are several approaches for nature exploration, functional morphological approach draws significant attention within the building technology and architectural design research studies [25,32,43].…”

“…It is calculated based on several factors including the building's orientation, window size and location, and shading devices. DGP values are classified into four groups: imperceptible (30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35), perceptible (35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40), disturbing (40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45), and intolerable (45-100). Recent studies have explored the use of these metrics to evaluate daylight performance in different climate zones and make new developments in luminance-based daylight performance metrics [12,48].…”

Kinematics and Aerodynamics of Dragonflies (Pantala flavescens, Libellulidae) in Climbing Flight

“…With the development and application of micro air vehicles (MAVs), the study of insect flight mechanisms has attracted more and more attention ( Sun, 2014 ; Floreano and Wood, 2015 ; Bomphrey et al, 2016 ). Inspired by flying insects and other flying animals, researchers attempted to apply efficient flapping wing mechanisms to MAVs ( Heers et al, 2018 ; Koizumi et al, 2021 ; Murayama et al, 2021 ). Dragonflies are aerial predators with outstanding flight abilities.…”