Numerical Investigation on the Propulsive Performance of Biplane Counter-flappingWings

Conference paper (2015)

Authors

S. Deng Aerodynamics - Aerospace Engineering
Tianhang Xiao Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
B.W. van Oudheusden Aerodynamics - Aerospace Engineering
H. Bijl Aerodynamics - Aerospace Engineering
Research Group
Aerodynamics (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2015 S. Deng, Tianhang Xiao, B.W. van Oudheusden, H. Bijl
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Published Date

2015

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Flow Physics and Technology

Research Group

Aerodynamics

Abstract

A numerical investigation is performed to address the flexing effect on the propulsion performance of flapping wing particularly on the counter-flapping wings of the biplane configuration. A Reynolds number of 10,000 is considered
in the present study which corresponds to the flight regime of most existing flapping wing micro air vehicles. The computation involves solving the compressible unsteady Reynoldsaveraged Native-Stokes equation using an inhouse developed code. The flapping motion is incorporated by an efficient deforming overset grid technique which allows multiple flexible bodies to be embedded into the flow field. Results show that the biplane wing with counterflapping configuration has a better propulsive performance in comparison to a single flapping wing. A low-pressure regime between the two wings during the outstroke produces more thrust, while the counter-flapping motion can also generate a surfeit momentum rushing in to the wake. The more flexible wing can produce more thrust while less power is required thus owning a better
propulsive performance.