A Flapping MAV Micro Aerial Vehicle with PVDF-Parylene Composite Skin

摘要

The research of micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) is a new field which attracts much attention in the advanced aeronautical area. The flapping wing, proved by many natural flyers, is the most appropriate way of flying objects which sizes are less than 6 inches. However, there is still plenty of room for people to investigate the unsteady aerodynamic characteristic of flapping wings. In this paper, the flapping wing of lightweight and high strength is composed of the titanium-alloy frame and the parylene skin. Such an integration of fabrication needs the help of MEMS processing technique. In the wind-tunnel test of the flapping MAV, the signals from load cell and PVDF film are used to detect the on-site lift. Both of the lift signals from PVDF and the load-cell are accordant with the similar qualitative behavior. Finally, we integrate lithium-battery into the MAV to perform a successful free flight with a range of 10-15 meters.