Investigating the Aerodynamic Effects of Flexible Membrane Wings

Abstract

AbstractNumerous experiments have been performed on flexible membrane wings in the wind tunnel. These wings undergo significant shape deformation when submitted to aerodynamic loads. While the shape deformation is beneficial for gust suppression and load alleviation, the actual aerodynamic mechanics are not well understood. The aim of this paper is to explore the loads associated with flexible wings as a method to verify the use of computational methods used to develop micro air vehicles and improve general understanding. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) in the wind-tunnel, pioneered by University of Florida, will capture the shape of the wing while under aerodynamic loads in the wind-tunnel as a sting balance records the lift and drag forces. The 3D model from the DIC can then be used to fabricate a mold using a CNC-machine and an experimentally-rigid wing can be fabricated. The same wind tunnel test will be repeated with the rigid wing to determine if the two wings are identical in aerodynamic performance for a given flight condition.KeywordsCarbon FiberWind TunnelTool PathDigital Image CorrelationWind Tunnel TestingThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.