Abstract
In terms of their flight and unusual aerodynamic characteristics, mosquitoes have become a new insect of interest. Despite transmitting the most significant infectious diseases globally, mosquitoes are still among the great flyers. Depending on their size, they typically beat at a high flapping frequency in the range of 600 to 800 Hz. Flapping also lets them conceal their presence, flirt, and help them remain aloft. Their long, slender wings navigate between the most anterior and posterior wing positions through a stroke amplitude about 40 to 45°, way different from their natural counterparts (>120°). Most insects use leading-edge vortex for lift, but mosquitoes have additional aerodynamic characteristics: rotational drag, wake capture reinforcement of the trailing-edge vortex, and added mass effect. A comprehensive look at the use of these three mechanisms needs to be undertaken—the pros and cons of high-frequency, low-stroke angles, operating far beyond the normal kinematic boundary compared to other insects, and the impact on the design improvements of miniature drones and for flight in low-density atmospheres such as Mars. This paper systematically reviews these unique unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of mosquito flight, responding to the potential questions from some of these discoveries as per the existing literature. This paper also reviews state-of-the-art insect-inspired robots that are close in design to mosquitoes. The findings suggest that mosquito-based small robots can be an excellent choice for flight in a low-density environment such as Mars.
Highlights
The role of robotic systems, including miniature unmanned autonomous ones over the years, has expanded considerably
Using micro differential pressure sensor developed using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology they found that this measured distribution is characteristic aerodynamic force during the flight phase and proposed that this method combined other experimental techniques such as digital particle image velocimetry helps understand the unsteady aerodynamic forces. [87,88,89,90,91]
The flexibility of wings primarily leads to substantial lift generation, and the flight speed is significantly improved by gliding forces, indicating that the optimum layout of the wing structure and flapping motion may increase the efficiency of these vehicles
Summary
The role of robotic systems, including miniature unmanned autonomous ones over the years, has expanded considerably. With interest in developing insect-inspired robots for planetary studies, it is worth looking at the mosquito’s unique aerodynamic features for such an environment These things make it necessary to look at this insect’s detailed aerodynamics and simulate its flight for Earth and a less dense Martian atmosphere. It is proven that the elasticity in the sensing direction of both the wings and halter structure is due to the presence of resilin, which restores the bending deformation. This rubber-like material covers many mobile joints and vein boundaries linked to the wing membranes of the wings.
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