Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis on Trend of Literature on Flapping Wing (2004 - 2014) by Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Academic research on flapping wing micro aerial vehicle (MAV) has gained popularity over the past dacade years, and a corresponding variety of scientific sub-categories within this field has emerged in numerous journals such as Journal of Experimental Biology, Progress in Aerospace Sciences, and Journal of Aircraft. This paper presents a concise literature review of flapping wing MAV research by appraising 439 academic journal papers that are relevant to the topic and published between 2004 and April 2014. In this bibliometric research, these papers have been divided into different categories and research areas, with allocations to main and sub-categories based on primary focus for each paper. This analysis of papers brings useful insights on the anatomy of flapping wing literature, and assists in the creation and accumulation of knowledge in this area. The implications discussed in this literature review should be of keen interest for researchers and practitioners considering flapping wing areas for future research activities. A comprehensive list of references is also presented. It is expected that this review provides a good resource for future research on flapping wing themes, and will invigorate further interest in this area.