Aerodynamic Analysis and Simulation of Flapping Wing Aerial Vehicles on Hovering

Abstract

In order to design and verify control algorithms for flapping wing aerial vehicles(FWAVs), calculation models of the translational force, rotational force and virtual mass force were established with the basis on the modified quasi-steady aerodynamic theory and high lift mechanisms of insect flight. The simulation results show that the rotational force and virtual mass force can be ignored in the hovering FWAVs with simple harmonic motions in a cycle. The effects of the wing deformation on aerodynamic forces were investigated by regarding the maximum rotational angle of wingtip as a reference variable. The simulation results also show that the average lift coefficient increases and drag coefficient decreases with the increase of the maximum rotational angle of wingtip in the range of 0-90°.