Aeroelastic characterisation of a bio-inspired flapping membrane wing

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Bio-inspired Design
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Natural fliers like bats utilize complex fluid-structure interactions with flexible wings.
• Replicating and scaling unsteady membrane wing dynamics for engineering is challenging.
• Understanding the interplay between structural and fluid parameters is crucial for bio-inspired flight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and investigate a novel bio-inspired membrane wing design.
• To systematically study the fluid-structure interactions of flapping membrane wings.
• To identify optimal membrane properties and flapping kinematics for enhanced aerodynamic performance.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel membrane wing capable of passive camber and edge rotation.
• Systematically investigated fluid-structure interactions through varying membrane properties and flapping kinematics.
• Characterized performance using aeroelastic number, angle of attack, and effective membrane stiffness.

Main Results:

• Optimal membrane properties and flapping kinematics were identified, outperforming rigid wings in lift and efficiency.
• Performance gains were not uniform across all parameters, with optima at specific angles of attack and stiffnesses.
• Moderate camber (15-20%) at optimal aeroelastic numbers aligned wing edges favorably with the flow, enhancing performance.

Conclusions:

• Combining variable stiffness and angle of attack variation significantly improves membrane wing aerodynamic performance.
• The novel design shows potential for enhancing control capabilities in micro air vehicles.
• Understanding camber, stiffness, and kinematics is key to unlocking the full potential of bio-inspired flapping wings.