Development of New Actuators for Flapping Wing Flight |
| Journal |
Materials Science Forum (Volumes 539 - 543) |
| Volume |
THERMEC 2006 |
| Edited by |
T. Chandra, K. Tsuzaki, M. Militzer , C. Ravindran |
| Pages |
36-41 |
| DOI |
10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.539-543.36 |
| Online since |
March, 2007 |
| Authors |
Dong Teak Chung
|
| Keywords |
Flapping Wing, Hovering, Insect Flight, Nonlinear Spring, Resonance Vibrations, Shape Memory Alloy (SMA), Thorax-Wing Actuator, Thrust Generation |
| Abstract |
Flying robots with flapping wings are preferred over conventionally fixed or rotational wings in
terms of hovering capability for a simple mechanical configuration. Until recently, available
actuators for such a robot are limited to (1) a conventional motor with four-bar linkage mechanism
or (2) a piezo electric actuator, but none of them could provide enough lift because of low flapping
frequency, small stroke angles, and/or frequent mechanical failure. A new actuator capable of
generating large stroke angles with high frequency is developed. It consists of an out-runner
brushless motor with a modified motor driver attached to a torsion spring. The wing is attached
directly on the cap of the motor. A prototype is built and preliminary thrust force measurements are
performed. Properties of wing materials suitable for powerful and robust actuators will be
discussed. The actuator employed in the present study utilizes resonance oscillation, which leads to
high energy efficiency. Further study of wing shape and directional stiffness is needed for
generating higher lift capability. |
| Full Paper |
Get the full paper by clicking here
|
| Preview |
Free first page example |
