Numerical Simulation of Biology-Inspired Beetle Wings at Various Flying Conditions

Abstract

Comprehensive numerical studies have been carried out on a biology-inspired computational model of Rhinoceros beetle subjected to changes in flow physics during propelling at different angles of attack. Over a pool of choices, Rhinoceros beetle is selected for its superior ability to function in various media. Detailed analyses have been carried out using a three dimensional pressure based SST k-ω turbulence model with the biomimetic structure. Numerical simulations have been carried out using refined polyhedral mesh with different lateral and longitudinal tilts at a free stream velocity of 5 m/s. Different flow property contours are generated and each case is compared with various flying conditions of Beetle to find out the best aerodynamic performance for various practical applications. Endurance is appropriated in this paper, through the estimation of the maximum aerodynamic efficiency for different orientations of the beetle wings. Authors ascertained that for every longitudinal angle of attack, there exists a lateral angle of attack at which aerodynamic efficiency becomes high and beyond which efficiency drops. Authors comprehended that the insects possess an innate ability to fix its wings at this critical efficient angle of attack as it changes its longitudinal angle of attack step by step, when it tries to take off. For landing, however, this phenomenon reverses to identify the angle of attack at which the aerodynamic efficiency becomes low. For a particular longitudinal orientation, detailed breakdown flow-physics research is carried out to single out the most aerodynamically efficient lateral angle of attack and to understand the reason behind that particular orientation’s successful performance in aerospace that can be mimicked for a Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV). This study is a pointer toward for the design optimization of MAV for industrial applications.