Data-driven CFD Scaling of Bioinspired Mars Flight Vehicles for Hover.

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Planetary Science
• Robotics

Background:

• Current Mars exploration relies on ground and satellite-based methods.
• Aerial sampling and surveillance can significantly enhance Martian exploration models.
• The ultra-low-density Martian atmosphere presents unique flight challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate bioinspired flapping wing vehicle designs for Martian flight.
• To develop a scaling method for a broad range of vehicle masses (10^-3 to 10^0 kg).
• To determine wing size and kinematic values for efficient hovering.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing dynamic scaling of wings and kinematics.
• Employing a neural network trained on 3D Navier-Stokes solutions.
• Verifying solutions with a 3D Navier-Stokes solver.

Main Results:

• A family of scalable solutions exists for flapping wing vehicles from 1 to 1000 grams.
• Unsteady lift enhancement mechanisms (delayed stall, rotational lift) are present.
• Hovering vehicles demonstrate potential for payloads up to 1 kg and 100-minute flight times.

Conclusions:

• Bioinspired flapping wing technology is viable for Martian aerial exploration.
• The proposed scaling method facilitates the design of efficient Martian flying vehicles.
• Optimized designs can achieve mission-viable payloads, range, and endurance.