Wing geometry and kinematic parameters optimization of bat-like robot fixed-altitude flight for minimum energy

Abstract

In this paper, the geometry parameters (WGP) and kinematic parameters (WKP) of bat wings are optimized by using the revised quasi-steady aerodynamic model and genetic particle swarm optimization algorithm (GPSO) according to the structural characteristics and kinematic law of bat, to meet the requirement of minimum flapping energy and improve the endurance of bat-like robot. For the first time, the dynamic model of bat flapping motion is improved by considering the effects of active deformation, passive flexible deformation, gravity moment, and inertia moment of the wing structure. Based on the power density model, the optimization objective function is established, and the lift-weight ratio (LtoW), Reynolds number (Re), aspect ratio (AR), Strouhal number (St), and boundary constraints of each parameter are added to complete the optimization of WGP and WKP. The optimized aerodynamic forces and power densities are compared with the estimates for actual bats flying at a fixed-altitude, and the results showed that the optimized parameters resulted in more stable aerodynamic forces and reduced energy consumption by half. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of the influence of each parameter on the LtoW and power density is carried out to better understand the effect of each parameter on keeping fixed-altitude flight and reducing energy consumption. This study can provide the theoretical basis for reasonable parameter design of bat-like robot.