It is shown mathematically that taking account of the boundary layer is the only way to develop a theory of flapping wings without violating the basic observations and mathematics of hydromechanics. A theory of thrust generation by flapping wings can be developed if the conventional downstream velocity discontinuity surface is replaced with the observed Karman type vortex streets behind a flapping wing. Experiments show that the direction of such vortices is the reverse of that of conventional Karman streets. The streets form by breakdown of the boundary layer. Detailed analysis of the movements of certain birds and insects during flight 'in place' is fully consistent with this theory of the lift, thrust and drag of flapping wings. Further directions for research into flight with flapping wings are indicated.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Works on theory of flapping wing


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1980-06-01


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :


    Works on Theory of Flapping Wing

    V. V. Golubev | NTIS | 1980


    Flat-flapping-wing flapping-wing aircraft

    WANG ZHICHENG | European Patent Office | 2015

    Free access

    TRANSVERSE-FLAPPING-TYPE FLAPPING WING

    DENG HUIPING | European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access

    Four-wing flat-flapping flapping-wing aircraft

    WANG ZHICHENG | European Patent Office | 2015

    Free access

    Transverse flapping type flapping wing

    DENG HUIPING | European Patent Office | 2022

    Free access