Abstract Three recently approved space missions are headed towards Venus, to help answer major questions about Venus atmosphere and geology. However, many existing questions cannot be properly addressed without direct in situ measurements from Venus surface or within the atmosphere. To this end, flapping wing vehicle concept is selected, optimized for Venus atmospheric flight, and evaluated using energy efficiency as performance criteria. Flapping wing vehicle computational model is derived based on discrete variational mechanics and quasi-steady aerodynamics, with all relevant aerodynamic phenomena included. Flapping wing vehicle computational model is then embedded within optimization algorithm, which is utilized to obtain energy efficient flapping patterns for forward flight in Venus surface atmospheric conditions. Numerical optimization is performed for different neutrally buoyant configurations, with wingspan ranging from 10 mm to 1 m. Different forward velocities are used as well, where maximum velocity is limited by an advance ratio of 0.5. Bumblebee and hummingbird-sized vehicles, with a wingspan of 30 mm and 30 cm, are selected as the most representative test cases and thoroughly studied. It is proved that flapping wing propulsion is a feasible and effective concept for Venus exploration purposes. Finally, based on a comparison of the selected test cases, general conclusions are drawn on the flapping wing dynamics and flight mechanics in the Venus atmosphere. Significant difference in the propulsion mechanism has been observed, based on the aerial vehicle size. In order to maximize propulsive efficiency, the smaller vehicle mostly exploited aerodynamic forces related to the leading edge vortex, while the larger vehicle relied more on added mass and rotational forces.

    Highlights Flapping wing vehicles can be used for Venus atmospheric flight and exploration. Quasi-steady forward flight model can be used to model Venus flapping flight. Flapping wing dynamics can be efficiently optimized using DMOC framework. Added mass and rotational forces have strong impact on Venus flapping flight.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Optimized flapping flight in Venus surface atmospheric conditions


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 194 ; 83-92


    Publication date :

    2022-01-21


    Size :

    10 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Atmospheric Flight on Venus

    G. A. Landis / A. Colozza / C. M. LaMarre | NTIS | 2002


    Atmospheric flight on Venus

    Landis, G. / Colozza, A. / LaMarre, C. | AIAA | 2002


    Atmospheric Flight on Venus: A Conceptual Design

    Geoffrey A. Landis / Anthony Colozza / Christopher M. Lamarre | AIAA | 2003


    Flapping flight device

    WANG ZHICHENG | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access

    Atmospheric Flight on Venus: A Conceptual Design

    Landis, G.A. | Online Contents | 2003