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Unsteady Aerodynamics in Bio-Inspired Flapping Wings for Low-Density Environments
Emilia Georgiana Prisăcariu1, Oana Dumitrescu1, Mihail Sima1
1The Romanian Research and Development Institute for Gas Turbines COMOTI, 061126 Bucharest, Romania.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Flapping-wing flight shows promise for Mars, but low-Reynolds number aerodynamics are complex. This study reveals aeroelastic coupling and vortex-driven lift generation for bio-inspired wings.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Bio-inspired Robotics
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Conventional rotorcraft struggle in low-density atmospheres like Mars.
- Understanding low Reynolds number flapping flight is crucial for aerial mobility.
- Aeroelastic and unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aeroelastic and unsteady aerodynamic behavior of a bio-inspired flapping wing.
- To develop an integrated experimental-numerical framework for analysis.
- To provide a physics-based understanding for designing flapping-wing systems.
Main Methods:
- High-speed imaging for wing kinematics extraction.
- Finite element methods for structural dynamic response analysis.
- Vortex-lattice modeling and computational fluid dynamics for aerodynamic performance.
Main Results:
- Strong coupling between wing bending and torsional modes observed.
- Structural response is highly dependent on excitation frequency relative to natural modes.
- Near-resonant conditions amplify deformation and reveal distinct phase relationships.
Conclusions:
- Vortex-dominated lift generation is key at low Reynolds numbers.
- Aeroelastic effects significantly influence flapping-wing performance.
- The study provides a framework for designing Martian aerial mobility systems.
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