Modal Analysis of Hummingbird Inspired MAV Flapping Wings

Abstract:

Natural flyers are the best source of inspiration for making successful MAVs. Hummingbirds are known for their excellent flight characteristics such as long duration hovering, backward flying, high agility, etc. Giant hummingbird is chosen as the bio-inspiration for designing the wing. Wings are required to be light, strong, and fatigue resistant to be used for MAV applications. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/Polypropylene (PP) composite is chosen as the wing membrane material whereas carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy (E) composite is chosen for wing frame. Two types of wings are fabricated, one is CNTs/PP wing and another is CF/E frame with CNTs/PP membrane wing. Kinematics, structural dynamics, and aerodynamics are the main component of flapping flight studies. Modal analysis of fabricated wings is done using 3D visual image correlation (VIC-3D) and laser displacement sensor setup. In the end, the results of both type wings are compared with experimental results and a good correlation has been seen. The validation of results is done using Ansys.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 772)
• Pages: 435-440
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.772.435
• Online since: July 2015
• Authors: David Kumar, Vemuri Shyam Kumar, Tigmanshu Goyal, P.M. Mohite, S. Kamle
• Keywords: Cnts, Digital Image Correlation, Fast Fourier Transform, Hummingbirds, MAVs, Modal Analysis, Polypropylene

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