Design optimization and wind tunnel investigation of a flapping system based on the flapping wing trajectories of a beetle's hindwings

Abstract

To design a flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FWMAV), the hovering flight action of a beetle species (Protaetia brevitarsis) was captured, and various parameters, such as the hindwing flapping frequency, flapping amplitude, angle of attack, rotation angle, and stroke plane angle, were obtained. The wing tip trajectories of the hindwings were recorded and analyzed, and the flapping kinematics were assessed. Based on the wing tip trajectory functions, bioinspired wings and a linkage mechanism flapping system were designed. The critical parameters for the aerodynamic characteristics were investigated and optimized by means of wind tunnel tests, and the artificial flapping system with the best wing parameters was compared with the natural beetle. This work provides insight into how natural flyers execute flight by experimentally duplicating beetle hindwing kinematics and paves the way for the future development of beetle-mimicking FWMAVs.

Keywords: Aerodynamic characteristics; Beetle hindwing; Flapping system; Wind tunnel; Wing tip trajectory.