Shape Optimization of a Flapping Wing for the Atalanta Project FWMAV

Shape Optimization of a Flapping Wing for the Atalanta Project FWMAV

Amer, Hakim (TU Delft Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering)

Goosen, J.F.L. (mentor)

Delft University of Technology

Mechanical Engineering | High-Tech Engineering

2021-02-25

Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle (FWMAV) technologies are emerging due to the vast number of applications that they can be utilized in. Researchers and scientists are constantly seeking to push the boundaries to the extreme in terms of miniaturization of this technology, making it smaller, lighter and better performing. In order to achieve this we need to look for new approaches in the design of FWMAVs at the component and at the system level. This research explores a new approach for the flapping wing design. Inspired by insects, the corrugation pattern on the wing can be optimized in order to achieve the required passive pitching behaviour of the wing. Optimized corrugated wings has the potential to achieve a higher strength to weight ratio than available flapping wing designs, while at the same time exhibiting the required passive pitching behaviour. Moreover, the manufacturing process of the wing is more reproducible compared to conventional wing manufacturing methods. This is important because at such a small scale, a minor deviation in the wing features can drastically affect the wing properties, which has implications on performance and control. In this study shell shape optimization method was utilized to obtain passively pitching wing designs. The obtained wing designs performance is then evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively, through a time dependant study of the flapping motion of the wing. Finally, a wing prototype is manufactured and the results are experimentally validated.

FWMAV
Optimization
Shell Structures
Bio-inspired design
Insect flight
Shape Optimisation

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e9b551d8-8f2d-4ca3-b0b6-ea72330636d5

Student theses

master thesis

© 2021 Hakim Amer