Aerodynamic comparisons of flexible membrane micro air vehicle wings with cambered and flat frames

Abstract

Flexible membrane wings at the micro air vehicle scale can experience improved lift/drag ratios, delays in stall, and decreased time-averaged flow separation when compared to rigid wings. This research examines the effect of frame camber on the aerodynamic characteristics of membrane wings. The frames for the wings were 3D printed using a polymer-based material. The membranes are silicone rubber. Tests were conducted at Re ∼50,000. Aerodynamic force and moment measurements were acquired at angles-of-attack varying from −4 to 24°. Additionally, digital image correlation data were acquired to assess time-averaged shapes of the membrane wings during wind tunnel tests. An in-house program was developed to average the deflection plots from the digital image correlation images and produce time-averaged shapes. Lifting-line theory based on the time-averaged shapes was then used to calculate theoretical lift and induced drag coefficients, showing that the time-average shape of the membrane under load contributes extensively to the aerodynamic performance. The results show that introducing camber to the frames of membrane wings increases aerodynamic efficiency.