Theoretical modelling of wakes from retractable flapping wings in forward flight

Parslew, Ben; Crowther, William

doi:10.7717/peerj.105

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 23 publications

(29 reference statements)

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“…The actuator disc is aligned with the stroke-plane, and the disc area is given as the area swept by the wings. This kind of wake model is less computationally expensive than those that attempt to resolve the flowfield [52][53][54]. The control point velocity is evaluated numerically with a first-order central differencing scheme, using the control point position at 400 evenly spaced time points throughout the wingbeat.…”

Section: Aerodynamicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predicting power-optimal kinematics of avian wings

Parslew

2015

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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A theoretical model of avian flight is developed which simulates wing motion through a class of methods known as predictive simulation. This approach uses numerical optimization to predict power-optimal kinematics of avian wings in hover, cruise, climb and descent. The wing dynamics capture both aerodynamic and inertial loads. The model is used to simulate the flight of the pigeon, Columba livia, and the results are compared with previous experimental measurements. In cruise, the model unearths a vast range of kinematic modes that are capable of generating the required forces for flight. The most efficient mode uses a near-vertical stroke-plane and a flexed-wing upstroke, similar to kinematics recorded experimentally. In hover, the model predicts that the power-optimal mode uses an extended-wing upstroke, similar to hummingbirds. In flexing their wings, pigeons are predicted to consume 20% more power than if they kept their wings full extended, implying that the typical kinematics used by pigeons in hover are suboptimal. Predictions of climbing flight suggest that the most energy-efficient way to reach a given altitude is to climb as steeply as possible, subjected to the availability of power.

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Section: Aerodynamicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predicting power-optimal kinematics of avian wings

Parslew

2015

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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“…We can visualize this by evaluating the vortexinduced velocities at a fixed position behind the wing's trailing edge. The induced velocities can be evaluated using Biot-Savart theorem [30]. Figure 6 shows the visualization of the simulated vortex-induced wake and the circulation distribution generated by the flapping wings within one gait cycle.…”

Section: Simulation and Experimental Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unsteady aerodynamic modeling of Aerobat using lifting line theory and Wagner's function

Sihite¹,

Ghanem²,

Adarsh³

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Flying animals possess highly complex physical characteristics and are capable of performing agile maneuvers using their wings. The flapping wings generate complex wake structures that influence the aerodynamic forces, which can be difficult to model. While it is possible to model these forces using fluid-structure interaction, it is very computationally expensive and difficult to formulate. In this paper, we follow a simpler approach by deriving the aerodynamic forces using a relatively small number of states and presenting them in a simple statespace form. The formulation utilizes Prandtl's lifting line theory and Wagner's function to determine the unsteady aerodynamic forces acting on the wing in a simulation, which then are compared to experimental data of the bat-inspired robot called the Aerobat. The simulated trailing-edge vortex shedding can be evaluated from this model, which then can be analyzed for a wake-based gait design approach to improve the aerodynamic performance of the robot.

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“…Applying the inverse dynamic insect model in FlapSim, the mechanical loads, torque, and power consumption for a wing with pre-defined kinematics are predicted. FlapSim employs a coupled blade-element momentum theory model to calculate the aerodynamic forces needed for weight support, propulsion, and consumed power [30,43,46]. Blade-element theory is a quasi-steady method similar to strip theory in which the wing is divided into multiple strips and the aerodynamic loads are integrated along the span of the wing.…”

Section: Modeling Of Bioinspired Wing Shapes In Flapsimmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insights into Sensitivity of Wing Shape and Kinematic Parameters Relative to Aerodynamic Performance of Flapping Wing Nano Air Vehicles

Throneberry

Hassanalian

Abdelkefi

2019

Drones

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In this work, seven wings inspired from insects’ wings, including those inspired by the bumblebee, cicada, cranefly, fruitfly, hawkmoth, honeybee, and twisted parasite, are patterned and analyzed in FlapSim software in forward and hovering flight modes for two scenarios, namely, similar wingspan (20 cm) and wing surface (0.005 m2). Considering their similar kinematics, the time histories of the aerodynamic forces of lift, thrust, and required mechanical power of the inspired wings are calculated, shown, and compared for both scenarios. The results obtained from FlapSim show that wing shape strongly impacts the performance and aerodynamic characteristics of the chosen seven wings. To study the effects of different geometrical and physical factors including flapping frequency, elevation amplitude, pronation amplitude, stroke-plane angle, flight speed, wing material, and wingspan, several analyses are carried out on the honeybee-inspired shape, which had a 20 cm wingspan. This study can be used to evaluate the efficiency of different bio-inspired wing shapes and may provide a guideline for comparing the performance of flapping wing nano air vehicles with forward flight and hovering capabilities.

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Theoretical modelling of wakes from retractable flapping wings in forward flight

Cited by 7 publications

References 23 publications

Predicting power-optimal kinematics of avian wings

Predicting power-optimal kinematics of avian wings

Unsteady aerodynamic modeling of Aerobat using lifting line theory and Wagner's function

Insights into Sensitivity of Wing Shape and Kinematic Parameters Relative to Aerodynamic Performance of Flapping Wing Nano Air Vehicles

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