Resonance type flapping wing for micro air vehicle

Abstract

A resonance type flapping wing, which is suitable for an insect-like Micro Air Vehicle, is presented. It utilizes the resonance phenomenon of a two-degrees-of-freedom elastic system, that is, the wing is supported by the springs for flapping and feathering motions, and is oscillated at the resonance frequency of the system only by the torque in flapping motion. The amplitudes of flapping and feathering motions and the phase angle between them are controlled by changing the amount of damping. An optimum design method is applied to determine the structural parameters of the wing, the amount of applied torque and damping. Using these determined optimum quantities, arbitrary control of the flapping and feathering motions is possible. This paper presents the theoretical bases of the concept. The results of the numerical simulation using a Navier-Stokes code that takes into account the aeroelastic effects are also presented to verify the concept. © 2010 The Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences.