Presents the design and development of a pitching and plunging (flapping) mechanism for small-scale flight. In order to harness the unsteady lift mechanisms, used by most insects, a biologically inspired flapping/pitching device in conjunction with a rotary wing concept was developed and built. This mechanism attempts to replicate some of the aerodynamic phenomena that enhance the performance of small fliers, replacing the periodic translational motion with a unidirectional circular motion while actively flapping and pitching the rotor blades. In order to find the appropriate combination of phase, amplitude, frequency and rotational speed that leads to enhancement in lift, the device requires uncoupled independent pitch and flap actuation systems to permit the complete mapping of the parameter space. In the device under consideration the phase shift between the flapping and the pitching oscillations can be adjusted from 0 to 360 degrees over a wide range of rotational speeds. Maximum flapping and pitching amplitudes of +or-23 degrees and +or-20 degrees respectively can be attained. Linear displacements of two coaxial shafts are translated into the flapping and pitching motion of the rotor blades. The mechanism was designed to minimize the actuation stroke so that smart materials and conventional actuators such as motors and cams could be used. Kinematic analysis as well as experimental tests were performed.
Design and development of a biomimetic device for micro air vehicles
2002
15 Seiten, 15 Quellen
Conference paper
English
CFD-Based Analysis and Design of Biomimetic Flexible Propulsor for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2007
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