An analytical model and scaling of chordwise flexible flapping wings in forward flight

Bioinspir Biomim. 2016 Dec 13;12(1):016006. doi: 10.1088/1748-3190/12/1/016006.

Abstract

Aerodynamic performance of biological flight characterized by the fluid structure interaction of a flapping wing and the surrounding fluid is affected by the wing flexibility. One of the main challenges to predict aerodynamic forces is that the wing shape and motion are a priori unknown. In this study, we derive an analytical fluid-structure interaction model for a chordwise flexible flapping two-dimensional airfoil in forward flight. A plunge motion is imposed on the rigid leading-edge (LE) of teardrop shape and the flexible tail dynamically deforms. The resulting unsteady aeroelasticity is modeled with the Euler-Bernoulli-Theodorsen equation under a small deformation assumption. The two-way coupling is realized by considering the trailing-edge deformation relative to the LE as passive pitch, affecting the unsteady aerodynamics. The resulting wing deformation and the aerodynamic performance including lift and thrust agree well with high-fidelity numerical results. Under the dynamic balance, the aeroelastic stiffness decreases, whereas the aeroelastic stiffness increases with the reduced frequency. A novel aeroelastic frequency ratio is derived, which scales with the wing deformation, lift, and thrust. Finally, the dynamic similarity between flapping in water and air is established.

MeSH terms

  • Air
  • Air Movements
  • Algorithms*
  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Flight, Animal / physiology*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Motion
  • Pliability
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Tail / physiology
  • Water
  • Wings, Animal / physiology*

Substances

  • Water