Experimental and computational modeling of the kinematics and aerodynamics of membrane flapping wings

Sergey Shkarayev, Gunjan Maniar, Alexander V. Shekhovtsov

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

High-speed videography is utilized in measuring kinematic and deformation parameters of the flapping wing. Based on these data, a theoretical analysis of the underlying physics is performed using computational fluid dynamics simulations. The time-varying angle of incidence in chordwise directions exhibits a significant second harmonic. Results suggest the mechanics of membrane deformations during a flapping cycle is analogous to the buckling of a bistable structure. Noticeably, with an increase in the freestream speed, the downstroke duration increases. The solution to the three-dimensional fluid dynamics problem is constructed using two-dimensional solutions obtained for several sections of the wing by the improved discrete vortex method. The inertial component is dominant in the normal force coefficient, and hence, added mass is the main mechanism in aerodynamic force production for the studied problem. A normal component of the acceleration of the wing's trailing edge taken with a negative sign is introduced as a kinematic parameter that is essential in flapping wings aerodynamics. Results show a satisfactory agreement in trends of the acceleration and force coefficients. From analysis of kinematical changes it follows that synchronization of acceleration and angle of incidence is important for achieving maximum values of vertical force coefficients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
StatePublished - 2012
Event50th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition - Nashville, TN, United States
Duration: Jan 9 2012Jan 12 2012

Other

Other50th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNashville, TN
Period1/9/121/12/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Experimental and computational modeling of the kinematics and aerodynamics of membrane flapping wings'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this