Effect of chord-wise flexibility in the lift generation of flapping MAV with membrane wing

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to experimentally analyse the effect of flexible and stiffened membrane wings in the lift generation of flapping micro air vehicle (MAV).Design/methodology/approachThis is analysed by the rectangle wing made up of polyethylene terephthalate sheets of 100 microns. MAV is tested for the free stream velocity of 2 m/s, 4 m/s, 6 m/s and k* of 0, 0.25, 1, 3, 8. This test is repeated for flapping MAV of the free flapping frequency of 2 Hz, 4 Hz, 6 Hz, 10 Hz and 12 Hz.FindingsThis study shows that the membrane wing with proper stiffeners can give better lift generation capacity than a flexible wing.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a normal force component is measured, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the model.Practical implicationsIn MAVs, the wing structures are thin and light, so the effect of fluid-structure interactions is important at low Reynold’s numbers. This data are useful for the MAV developments.Originality/valueThe effect of chord-wise flexibility in lift generation is the study of the effect of a flexible wing and rigid wing in MAV. It is analysed by the rectangle wing. The coefficient of normal force at different free stream conditions was analysed.