Abstract
Small-winged drones can face highly varied aerodynamic requirements, such as high manoeuvrability for flight among obstacles and high wind resistance for constant ground speed against strong headwinds that cannot all be optimally addressed by a single aerodynamic profile. Several bird species solve this problem by changing the shape of their wings to adapt to the different aerodynamic requirements. Here, we describe a novel morphing wing design composed of artificial feathers that can rapidly modify its geometry to fulfil different aerodynamic requirements. We show that a fully deployed configuration enhances manoeuvrability while a folded configuration offers low drag at high speeds and is beneficial in strong headwinds. We also show that asymmetric folding of the wings can be used for roll control of the drone. The aerodynamic performance of the morphing wing is characterized in simulations, in wind tunnel measurements and validated in outdoor flights with a small drone.
Highlights
Morphing wings that change the shape and configuration of an aircraft can expand the flight capabilities of a flying vehicle to fulfil opposing requirements [1]
The aerodynamic performance of the morphing wing is characterized in simulations, in wind tunnel measurements and validated in outdoor flights with a small drone
This capability is important for small drones, known as micro air vehicles (MAVs), that can navigate in close proximity to obstacles
Summary
Morphing wings that change the shape and configuration of an aircraft can expand the flight capabilities of a flying vehicle to fulfil opposing requirements [1]. Despite a significant extension of the flight envelope, the slow dynamics of the sliding mechanism hinder the manoeuvrability of the aerial vehicle Another example is given by RoboSwift, a morphing wing based on discrete feather-like elements inspired by swift birds [6] (figure 1c), which is able to fold its feathers backwards, thereby changing its wing area, sweep, slenderness and camber. The outermost part of the wing is equipped with artificial feathers that can be folded to actively change the surface of the wing We show that this morphing mechanism can improve aerodynamic performance for manoeuvrability and wind resistance (§2), and provide roll control with asymmetric folding of the two wings (figure 2b). As a proof of concept, we validate the roll control authority of the proposed design with outdoor flights of a small drone with morphing wings
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