Browse Topic: Biomimetics
Enhancing rotor efficiency has been a persistent challenge in the development of micro aerial vehicles (MAV) especially for surveillance and covert operations. This study introduces a new Hybrid Flapping Wing Rotor (Hybrid FWR) configuration inspired by insect's wing flapping mechanics to address the efficiency limitation of traditional rotor designs. Unlike traditional rotary systems that rely solely on rotational motion, the Hybrid FWR combines rotational and flapping motions to significantly enhance lift generation. A comprehensive mathematical model was developed to analyze and predict the optimal aerodynamic performance, demonstrating that the Hybrid FWR configuration achieves a substantial improvement, with a power efficiency increase of up to 2.148-fold compared to conventional micro rotorcraft. Experimental validation was conducted to confirm the theoretical predictions, identifying an optimal hybrid ratio of approximately 0.7, which effectively minimizes aerodynamic resistance
Part I introduced the aerodynamic equation of state. This Part II introduces the aerodynamic equation of state for lift and induced drag of flapping wings and applies it to a hovering and forward-flying bumblebee and a mosquito. Two- and three-dimensional graphical representations of the state space are introduced and explored for engineered subsonic flyers, biological fliers, and sports balls.
This paper discusses an endeavor to experimentally identify the flight dynamics of the AVFL Hummingbird, and quantify its maneuverability and gust tolerance using a control theoretic framework. The AVFL hummingbird is a 62gram, truly biomimetic robotic hummingbird developed to understand and characterize hummingbird flight. It has a pair of biologically inspired, aeroelastically tailored wings flapping at 20Hz, and is fully hover capable. Additionally, like its biological counterpart, it utilizes wing kinematic modulation techniques for control and stability. The vehicle states were measured during targeted flight tests from which a linearized, state-space model was derived. The model contained damping aerodynamic coefficients, decoupled longitudinal, lateral and directional dynamics, as well as large control coefficients. The control theoretic framework, which quantifies the maximum controllable states of the system under unit inputs, was utilized to calculate the maximum gusts
ABSTRACT This paper describes the development of a biomimetic robotic hummingbird that utilizes biologically inspired wing kinematic modulation strategies for active stability and control. By tilting the flapping planes, varying the relative wing flapping amplitude, and shifting the mean position of the flapping stroke, the robotic hummingbird is able to modulate the magnitude, direction, and location of the lift vector of each of the wings in the same way that hummingbirds do to maneuver and stabilize themselves. In addition to the control strategies, biologically inspired, flexible, aeroelastically tailored wings were developed for use on the vehicle. Flight tests were conducted in which the vehicle was flown in a controlled hover using combinations of control techniques to quantify the effectiveness of each in stabilizing the vehicle. In the present study, emphasis was placed on pitch control, where two different control strategies were investigated, which were (1) pure tilting of
While the Japanese art of origami has been “a rich source of inspiration” for scientists working to construct such 3D forms, the limitation to simple shapes has held up development of new applications in areas such as biomimetic systems, soft robotics and mechanical meta-materials, especially for structures on small length scales where traditional manufacturing processes fail. Now, however, a team led by polymer scientist Ryan Hayward has developed an approach that could open the door to a new wave of discoveries.
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