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THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOMEMETIC DYNAMIC AIRFOIL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FLAPPING WING MICRO AIR VEHICLES

Hauerwas, Joel Adam

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Sciences (Engineering), Case Western Reserve University, EMC - Mechanical Engineering.
Flapping wings provide a theoretically energy efficient mode of lift and maneuverability for micro air vehicles for a wide variety of applications. However, the control systems of existing flapping wing micro air vehicles are unfortunately not very effective which stems from most designs lacking independent wing control. Traditional winged aircraft can adjust their wing shapes or use a rudder to steer, however turbulent air and flight dynamics make this process less effective for flapping wings. By studying birds and insects a flight control system can might be developed utilizing similar mechanics. Watching slow motion footage of Manduca sexta, the tobacco hornworm moth, revealed that prior to turning the moth often rotated its abdomen which directed the air around its body in a manner similar to how a plane uses a rudder. To test this, mechanical analogs of the moth were created in different body positions and tested in a wind tunnel using a smoke stream to track how air moved about the specimen. These tests were further validated using computational flow simulation which revealed regions of lower speed, and thus higher pressure, consistent with the direction of rotation. The region of higher air pressure would generate a force on the body of the moth allowing it to turn or move horizontally through the air. A prototype flight control system was then developed using motors to control abdomen position which was also validated in a wind tunnel and showed similar smoke patterns.
Roger Quinn, Dr. (Committee Chair)
Mark Willis, Dr. (Committee Member)
Moses Kenneth, Dr. (Committee Member)
Collins Sunniva, Dr. (Committee Member)
82 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hauerwas, J. A. (2020). THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOMEMETIC DYNAMIC AIRFOIL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FLAPPING WING MICRO AIR VEHICLES [Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1609868852739095

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hauerwas, Joel. THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOMEMETIC DYNAMIC AIRFOIL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FLAPPING WING MICRO AIR VEHICLES. 2020. Case Western Reserve University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1609868852739095.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hauerwas, Joel. "THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOMEMETIC DYNAMIC AIRFOIL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FLAPPING WING MICRO AIR VEHICLES." Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1609868852739095

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)