Design and evaluation of LIPCA-actuated flapping device

摘要

In this paper, we present our recent progress in LIPCA (Lightweight Piezo-Composite Actuator) application for actuation of flapping wing device. The flapping device uses linkage system that can amplify the actuation displacement of LIPCA. The feathering mechanism is also designed and implemented such that the wing can rotate during flapping. The natural flapping-frequency of the device was 9 Hz, where the maximum flapping angle was reached. The flapping test under 4 Hz to 15 Hz flapping frequency was performed to investigate the flapping performance by measuring the produced lift and thrust. Maximum lift and thrust produced when the flapping device was actuated near the natural flapping-frequency.