A numerical study of low-aspect-ratio flapping-wings in forward flight

Abstract

Unsteady aerodynamics at low Reynolds number is receiving an increasing attention from the scientific community due to the recent development of Flapping Micro Air Vehicles (FMAV). These vehicles generate thrust and lift by flapping their wings, like insects or small birds do. The specific unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms involved in the generation of forces in flapping flight have been studied by several authors, as reviewed in [6]. However, our understanding of flapping flight is still limited.