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Design and analysis of aerodynamic force platforms for free flight studies
Ben J Hightower1, Rivers Ingersoll, Diana D Chin
1Equal work.
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
|July 11, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a novel aerodynamic force platform to measure forces from flying animals and robots. This technology enhances understanding of flapping wing aerodynamics for bioinspired robot design.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Robotics
- Aerodynamics
Background:
- Understanding the aerodynamic forces of flapping wings is crucial for both biological research and the development of bioinspired robots.
- Existing methods may not capture the full complexity of in vivo force generation during natural locomotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and explain advancements in the design of a novel aerodynamic force platform.
- To enable direct measurement of aerodynamic forces generated by freely flying animals and robots.
Main Methods:
- Designed a stiff yet lightweight aerodynamic force platform with natural frequencies significantly higher than operational frequencies.
- Filtered out high-frequency noise during post-processing to achieve accurate force recordings.
- Demonstrated the platform's capability by measuring forces from a freely flying bird.
Main Results:
- The new platform allows for precise and accurate in vivo measurement of aerodynamic forces.
- High natural frequencies enable effective noise filtering for clear data acquisition.
- The design principles are adaptable to various fluid media.
Conclusions:
- The aerodynamic force platform offers a powerful tool for high-throughput, real-time, non-intrusive biomechanical measurements.
- This technology can advance experimental biology and bioinspired design by studying diverse locomotion in multiple fluid environments.
- Facilitates comparative studies of force generation in animals and robots across terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial behaviors.
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