Force Measurements on a Flapping and Pitching Wing at Low Reynolds Numbers
Abstract
Force measurements from experiments conducted in water on a flapping-and-pitching thin flat plate wing of semi-elliptic planform at low Reynolds numbers are reported. Time varying force data, measured using a force transducer, provide a means to understand the mechanisms that lead to enhanced performance observed in insect flight compared to fixed wing aerodynamics. Experimental uncertainties associated with low level (~1N) fluid dynamic force measurements on flapping-and-pitching wings are addressed. A previously proposed pitching mode in which the leading edge and trailing edge switch roles to allow using cambered airfoils has been shown to be viable, and may have advantages over the non-switching mode. The present data are part of a larger database planned to experimentally investigate various aspects of insect flight including another previously proposed idea that performance may be improved by flying at optimum reduced flapping frequency. The study has applications in micro air vehicle development.
Recommended Citation
K. M. Isaac et al., "Force Measurements on a Flapping and Pitching Wing at Low Reynolds Numbers," Proceedings of the 44th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit (2006, Reno, NV), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Jan 2006.
Meeting Name
44th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit (2006: Jan. 9-12, Reno, NV)
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Micro Air Vehicles; Flapping Wings; Reynolds number
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2006 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
12 Jan 2006
