Aerodynamic modeling and analysis of flapping-wing MAV

The unsteady aerodynamics associated with flapping flight of flapping-wing Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) was studied using computational fluid dynamics. A three-dimensional flapping wing model was established for the MAV, which mimicked biological locomotion, such as insect flight. The Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) finite element method with ANSYS/CFD was used to solve the Navier-Stokes equations numerically. The solution proves that the leading-edge vortices could generate enough lift to support a typical flapping MAV. Based on the bionics aerodynamic model, the variations of different parameters such as flapping amplitude, pitching amplitude and flapping frequency of the MAV were studied. Finally, exploratory flapping wing wind-tunnel test and flight test prove, in certain degree, the feasibility of the method presented. The modeling method, as well as the conclusions is suitable for the design and analysis of flapping-wing MAVs.