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Updated: Jun 29, 2025
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The Functions of Phasic Wing-Tip Folding on Flapping-Wing Aerodynamics
Yiming Li1,2,3, Keyu Li1,2,3, Fang Fu4
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Morphing Mechanisms and Adaptive Robots, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 27, 2024
Summary
Beetles exhibit a novel wing-tip-folding mechanism during flight, reducing aerodynamic forces without altering wingbeat frequency. This discovery aids in developing agile, maneuverable micro-air vehicles.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Aerodynamics
- Insect flight
Background:
- Insects, particularly beetles, display remarkable flight agility through complex wing-stroke trajectories.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to biomimetic engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a newly discovered phasic wing-tip-folding phenomenon in beetles.
- To elucidate the aerodynamic principles behind this folding mechanism.
- To explore its application in micro-air vehicle design.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous recording of wing kinematics and aerodynamic forces using motion capture and force sensors.
- Fabrication and testing of a micro-flapping-wing mechanism incorporating phasic active spanwise-folding and deployment (PASFD).
Main Results:
- Phasic active spanwise-folding and deployment (PASFD) was confirmed in beetle flight.
- Wing-tip folding significantly reduced lift (52.2%) and forward thrust (63.0%) without changing flapping frequency.
- Unilateral folding generated lateral force, demonstrating maneuverability potential.
Conclusions:
- The phasic wing-tip-folding phenomenon is a key factor in beetle flight control and maneuverability.
- This mechanism offers a novel approach for designing high-maneuverability flapping-wing micro-air vehicles.
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