Experimental investigation on lift generation of flapping MAV with insect wings of various species

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to experimentally analyze the effect of wing shape of various insects of different species in a flapping micro aerial vehicle (MAV).

Design/methodology/approach

Six different wings are fabricated for the MAV configuration, which is restricted to the size of 15 cm length and width; all wings have different surface area and constant span length of 6 cm. The force is being measured with the help of a force-sensing resistor (FSR), and the coefficients of lift were calculated and compared.

Findings

This study shows that the wing “Tipula sp” has better value of lift than other insect wings, except for the negative angle of attacks. The wing “Aeshna multicolor” gives the better values of lift in negative angles of attack.

Practical implications

This paper lays the foundation for the development of flapping MAVs with the insect wings. This type of wing can be used for spying purpose in the military zone and also can be used to survey remote and dangerous places where humans cannot enter.

Originality/value

This paper covers all basic insect wing configurations of different species with exact mimics of the veins. As the experimental investigation was carried for different angle of attacks, velocities and flapping frequencies, this paper can be used as reference for future flapping wing MAV developers.

Citation

S., S.N., R., A.A., Varghese, J.P., S., G., Paulraj, J. and M., M. (2020), "Experimental investigation on lift generation of flapping MAV with insect wings of various species", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 92 No. 2, pp. 139-144. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-04-2019-0076