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Vertical bending and aerodynamic performance in flying snake-inspired aerial undulation
Yuchen Gong1, Zihao Huang1, Haibo Dong1
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22093, United States of America.
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
|November 13, 2024
Summary
Adding vertical bending to gliding snake models significantly enhances aerodynamic performance. Optimal lift and lift-to-drag ratios were achieved with specific vertical wave and dorsal-ventral bending amplitudes, improving gliding efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Aerodynamics and Fluid Dynamics
- Bio-inspired Robotics and Locomotion
- Computational Science and Engineering
Background:
- Flying snake locomotion involves complex aerial undulation.
- Previous studies primarily focused on horizontal undulation.
- The role of vertical bending in enhancing aerodynamic performance remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of a snake-like model with vertical bending.
- To analyze the fluid dynamics and vortex structures during aerial undulation with vertical movements.
- To determine the optimal parameters for vertical wave and dorsal-ventral bending to maximize lift and efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using an incompressible flow solver.
- Immersed-boundary method for simulating the moving body.
- Topological local mesh refinement for high grid resolution around the model.
Main Results:
- Vertical bending alters leading-edge vortex formation and effective angle of attack, influencing lift.
- Peak lift was observed at a vertical wave amplitude (ψm) of 2.5°, and the highest lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) at ψm = 5°.
- Dorsal-ventral bending (ψDV) affects body-body interaction; a 17.3% increase in lift at ψDV = 5° and optimal L/D at ψDV = -5° were noted.
Conclusions:
- Vertical bending is a crucial factor in enhancing the aerodynamic performance of gliding snake-like models.
- Specific amplitudes of vertical wave and dorsal-ventral bending can significantly improve lift generation and gliding efficiency.
- Understanding these flow dynamics provides fundamental insights for designing more efficient bio-inspired aerial vehicles.
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