The mechanization of flapping-wing flight is addressed. A tethered moth's flapping wings are simulated using an unsteady aerodynamic panel method and accounts for wing flexibility using a finite element model. The resultant simulation code delineates both the aerodynamic and inertial forces acting on flapping, flexible wings undergoing arbitrary motion in the presence of large-scale vortices and establishes the importance of including the wake in the unsteady analysis of flapping flexible wings. A switching pattern is discovered where the magnitude and direction of the aerodynamic force are decoupled, thereby pointing to a means whereby control is achieved. Overall, important groundwork necessary for the establishment of the principles of flapping-wing flight is laid, leading to the development of a highly agile, alternative flight technology.
展开▼
