A method to predict the flapping wing MAV global aerodynamic performances

Flapping and fixed wings are employed in various ways to generate aerodynamic forces. More recently the interest of researchers in this field has increased due to the possible application of flapping wing powered micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) and submerged vehicles. In the present paper we present an analysis of the recent progress in understanding the low Reynolds number unsteady aerodynamics associated with flapping wings. The aim is to find a new method to predict the flight performance of flapping wings MAV. Using a set of assumptions well adapted for flapping wing analyses the paper describes a simple but intuitive method to predict the global aerodynamic performances.