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Elastic storage enables robustness of flapping wing dynamics.

Xuefei Cai1,2, Yujing Xue1,2, Dmitry Kolomenskiy3

  • 1Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Chiba University International Cooperative Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.

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|May 3, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Bumblebees use a combination of active and passive mechanisms for efficient hovering. This strategy allows for robust flapping-wing dynamics and optimal elastic energy storage, minimizing energetic costs.

Keywords:
bumblebeeelastic storageflapping-wing dynamicsflexible wing-hingefluid-structure interaction

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Aerodynamics
  • Robotics

Background:

  • Flying insects exhibit efficient flapping-wing dynamics, minimizing energy costs through elastic structures.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for bio-inspired flight technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a fluid-structure interaction model for bumblebee hovering.
  • To investigate passive and active mechanisms (PAM) in flapping-wing dynamics.
  • To determine how elastic energy storage contributes to flight efficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Coupling unsteady flapping aerodynamics with three-torsional-spring-based elastic wing-hinge dynamics.
  • Utilizing a force-impulse model to assess robustness against external perturbations.

Main Results:

  • An optimal elastic storage strategy involves active-controlled stroke and passive-controlled wing pitch and deviation.
  • Flapping-wing dynamics demonstrate robustness through passive elevation-rotation and passive feathering-rotation.
  • High power efficiency is achieved across a wide range of wing-hinge stiffness.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed PAM-based strategy enables robust and efficient hovering in bumblebees.
  • This approach offers insights into bio-inspired flight and aerodynamic force generation.
  • The findings highlight the importance of integrating active control with passive elastic properties for flight.