Design analysis and development of flapping wing apparatus

Flapping wing Micro aerial vehicle applications have piqued interest in the current era of rising demand for unmanned aerial vehicles, owing to their capability to fly swiyhout noise and at lower speeds. Flapping Wing Apparatuses mechanical design and implementation have long been a challenge. The g

Project Title

Design analysis and development of flapping wing apparatus

Project Area of Specialization

Mechatronics Engineering

Project Summary

Flapping wing Micro aerial vehicle applications have piqued interest in the current era of rising demand for unmanned aerial vehicles, owing to their capability to fly swiyhout noise and at lower speeds. Flapping Wing Apparatuses mechanical design and implementation have long been a challenge. The goal of this study is to evaluate past and recent advancements in flapping wing apparatuses used to study unsteady aerodynamics systems and make a flapping wing apparatus which can perform wind tunnel tests on any flapping wing. The first section deals with brief introduction of flapping wing aerodynamics and past study of flapping wing mechanisms and second section is designing our own apparatus and fabricate it. Different Flapping wing mechanisms and apparatuses made by many have discussed and how the required flapping motion (stroke, plunge, and pitch) is achieved by using those apparatuses. Submerged and air flappers both are discussed. A number of mechanisms have been highlighted for studying flapping wing aerodynamics with different approaches to acquire required motion. Still modifications are needed to create a testbed that can be installed on various wings and has kinematics that can be adjusted. One apparatus has been made by CAD model which gives three degree of freedom motion using three servo motors. The only remaining part is its fabrication which will be done as soon as funds will be issued.

Project Objectives

The objective of this project is designing an apparatus which can perform flapping wing aerodynamics. Flapping wing aerodynamics are different from fixed wing aerodynamics and needs different kinds of motion. In fixed wing aerodynamics, wing generates lift and aircraft flies with the help of propulsion system. But these are for large scale aircrafts. For small scale like micro aerial vehicles, lift cannot be generated by such small size of wing and it cannot stay at a place like rotary wing vehicles. In rotary wing vehicles, rotating motion of blades create lift, which produces noise. Flapping wing vehicles can be used for reconnaissance and in confined places where fixed wing and rotary wing cannot reach. So flapping wing vehicles are the need of future and in present, many countries are doing work on it. Many succeeded in making flapping wing vehicles but for short range. Range can be increased by future technology but starting work on it and understanding its aerodynamics is important. So my project deals with the development of apparatus which helps in understanding aerodynamics on these vehicles. CAE NUST has ability to perform wind tunnel tests. Wind tunnels (close circuit and open circuit) are available in our campus and after the apparatus is developed, analysis will become easy. Apparatus required composite metal, motors, gear box, controller, and coding for required motion. 

Project Implementation Method

The scope of this project is to create a comprehensive test bench that can evaluate various types of wings and then use the results to better understand flapping-wing aerodynamics. The detailed project’s scope includes the following:

Kinematic analysis that the flapping wing and CAD model of the apparatus

Choosing materials and fabricating the appropriate already designed apparatus

Improvement in the apparatus if there is any

Flapping Mechanism Controller

Examine the flapperatus for proper aerodynamic and structural performance.

Benefits of the Project

Flapping wing Micro Aerial vehicles (FMAVs) has following benefits and uses:

MAVs have ability of forward flight as well as hover which means that it is able of transition from forward flight to hover and back again.

The vehicle should be able to land and takeoff vertically as it is the requirement in confined spaces. It should have good stability, maneuverability, and precise control.

Reconnaissance is military observation of a region to locate an enemy or find out strategic features. MAVs can be used in battlefield to know situational awareness and location of enemy positions. If there are any hostage situations in any dense urban areas, hovering capability of MAVs will be very fruitful.

Structures of large buildings and towers need to continually be inspected for fatigue and cracks. Also, in long and confined pipelines that are difficult to be inspected by crew, MAVs with sensors attached can hover and detect leaks and cracks. In places where environment is not suitable for humans, i.e., poisonous gases or radiated areas, MAVs with proper sensors can detect the problem and its location.

Reconnaissance is military observation of a region to locate an enemy or find out strategic features. MAVs can be used in battlefield to know situational awareness and location of enemy positions. If there are any hostage situations in any dense urban areas, hovering capability of MAVs will be very fruitful.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

A flapping wing (FMAV) is a vehicle that make use of a pair (or two pairs like dragonfly) of insect-like flapping wings. MAV (micro aerial vehicle) flight has several important features.

Low Reynolds numbers (10e4 to 10e5), resulting in degraded aerodynamic performance;

Physical dimensions are small, which results in very small payload capabilities and some favorable characteristics which include reduced stall speed, structural strength and impact tolerance.

Low flight speed, resulting in an order one effect of the flight environment such as wind gust, as well as intrinsically unsteady flight characteristics
MAVs offer very low fuel consumption and thus, are efficient aerodynamically (at lower Reynold no). Hence, they offer more endurance during their flights

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Education

Other Industries

Security

Core Technology

3D/4D Printing

Other Technologies

Internet of Things (IoT)

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

Required Resources

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