Vortex Formation and Force Generation Mechanisms of the DelFly II in Hovering Flight

Conference paper (2014)
Department
Aerodynamics, Wind Energy & Propulsion (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2014 The Author(s)
DOI: https://doi.org/doi:10.4233/d503baae-c4d9-4b3d-ac87-2f25ad793d5a
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Published Date

12-08-2014

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Source:

IMAV 2014: International Micro Air Vehicle Conference and Competition 2014, Delft, The Netherlands, August 12-15, 2014

Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Aerodynamics, Wind Energy & Propulsion

Abstract

This paper addresses the unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms in the hovering flight of the DelFly II flapping-wing Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV). Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (Stereo-PIV) were carried out around the wings at a high framing rate. Thrust-force was measured to investigate the relation between the vortex dynamics and the aerodynamic force generation. The results reveal that the Leading-Edge-Vortex (LEV), as well as the high flexibility of the wings, have a major effect on thrust generation. Comparison of three wing pairs with different aspect ratio (AR) is also reported, yielding significant differences in both vortical structures and thrust generation.