Aerodynamic Design and Experiment for Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle Using a Six-Bar Linkage

Abstract

The following study demonstrates the design and experimental results of the insect-mimicking Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle (FWMAV) mechanism utilizing a six-bar linkage. The designed vehicle has the distinctive ability to tightly maneuver in limited spaces through only a small alteration in the location of the joint connecting the linkage's end and the fuselage, which in turn radically changes the wing trajectory. We mapped this wing trajectory in order to implement the concept of fully-controlled the FWMAV using Recurdyn

a multibody dynamics software. Upon research of the wing trajectory, the concept of fully controlling the FWMAV was solidified. The multi-body dynamic analysis allowed us to predict the amount of stress existing in each link prior to fabrication, enabling the construction of a more reliable component. As a result, possible operational errors during the production process were minimized. A test-bed was constructed to validate the assembled FWMAVs performance, where the FWMAVs aerodynamic forces and moments were confirmed through the experiment and generated sufficient vertical force to carry out guided flight test.