An explicit analytical model for passive twist and systematic optimization of membrane flapping wings

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Robotics
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Optimizing flapping-wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs) is challenging due to complex coupled parameters.
• Traditional methods like empirical trials or localized fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis are time-consuming and inefficient for rapid forward optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a systematic design framework for FWMAVs that simplifies the design space and enables efficient analytical optimization.
• To derive an explicit analytical formula for wing design by decoupling wing configuration and torsional deformation.

Main Methods:

• Introduced a novel wing configuration to decouple vein layouts from torsional deformation.
• Utilized high-fidelity FSI simulations on minimal parameter points to derive an explicit analytical formula relating spanwise twist and veins.
• Integrated the formula into the quasi-steady blade element method (BEM) with electromechanical constraints for a coupled system optimization model.

Main Results:

• Achieved an 11% improvement in efficiency for the optimized wing.
• The optimized wing demonstrated a lift-to-weight ratio exceeding 1.3.
• Validated the design framework through bench and guide-rail flight tests.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework transforms complex empirical design into deterministic analytical optimization.
• The explicit twist formula and decoupled configuration provide an efficient design tool for high-payload, high-efficiency FWMAVs.
• This approach significantly reduces the reliance on costly physical simulations.