Abstract
The actuated abdomens of insects such as dragonflies have long been suggested to play a role in optimisation and control of flight. We have examined the effect of this type of actuation in the simplified case of a small fixed wing aircraft to determine whether energetic advantages exist in normal flight when compared to the cost of actuation using aerodynamic control surfaces. We explore the benefits the abdomen/tail might provide to balance level flight against trim changes. We also consider the transient advantage of using alternative longitudinal control effectors in a pull up flight maneuver. Results show that the articulated abdomen significantly reduces energy consumption and increase performance in isolated manoeuvres. The results also indicate a design feature that could be incorporated into small unmanned aircraft under particular circumstances. We aim to highlight behaviours that would increase flight efficiency to inform designers of micro aerial vehicles and to aid the analysis of insect flight behaviour and energetics.
Highlights
Flight is the most demanding form of locomotion, requiring aerodynamics, weight minimisation, balance and control
For Models 1 and 2 aircraft and for all cases relating to correction of imbalance in steady level flight, the plots for elevator deflection required to trim with respect to airspeed are consistent; the amount of elevator deflection required to trim decreased with increased speed because higher air speeds require less lift coefficient CL and less angle of attack [39]
We have mathematically expressed the basic means by which the abdomen of an efficient natural flyer like the dragonfly might be used to save energy and reduce peak power requirements in flight
Summary
Flight is the most demanding form of locomotion, requiring aerodynamics, weight minimisation, balance and control. The fossil record shows ancient species of flying insects with similar body shapes to modern insects, indicating a remarkably stable evolved aeronautical solution to a diverse series of circumstances and habitats. With nature providing existence proofs of enduring solutions, it is useful to examine the function of all aeromechanical aspects of these designs. Due to the importance of the wings, less attention has been paid to the role the body shape plays in the dynamics, performance and control of insect flight. Change in body shape can potentially be used for flight control as it can change the positions of centre of mass and centre of pressure [1]. Even land animals have been observed to use body shape changes for control, including lizards and cheetahs [2,3]
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