Insectlike Flapping Wings in the Hover Part 1: Effect of Wing Kinematics

The aerodynamic design of a flapping-wing micro air vehicle requires a careful study of the wing-design space to ascertain the best combination of parameters. Here, such wing design for hovering insectlike flapping flight is studied using a nonlinear unsteady aerodynamic model developed by the authors. The work is characterized, in particular, by the insights it provides into flapping-wing flows and the use it makes of these insights for aerodynamic design. This is the first of a two-part paper. The effects of wing kinematics on the aerodynamic performance of such flapping wings are investigated in this part by varying one parameter at a time; the effects of wing geometry are considered in part 2. It is found here that there are benefits in increasing flapping frequency and stroke amplitude and in advancing wing pitching rotation. Other important trends are also identified and practical considerations are noted. When possible, comparisons are also drawn with quasi-steady expectations and discrepancies are explained.