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Compliant Mechanisms for Flapping-wing Micro Aerial Vehicle: Resonance Effect on a Low Frequency Flapping-wing Micro Aerial Vehicle

Yao-Wei Chin, Joel Tian Wei Goh, Gih-Keong Lau

Abstract


Powered flight is energetically costly, as compared to gliding [1]. Yet, most insects adopt it. It is hypothesized that the insects’ powered flight is made efficient by resonant effect. Resonant effect can save kinetic energy during wing reversal to elastic energy in the elastic hinges of the insects’ thorax [1], besides wing stroke enhancement. This can be realized in a compliant flapping mechanism, which have flexural hinge. A compliant mechanism differs from a rigid-body one in the sense that it comes in a monolithic piece and can store elastic energy. In this paper, we are going to present a new motor-driven compliant mechanism which benefit flapping-wing micro air vehicle by realizing resonance. The design has a wing span of 11.5 cm, weighs about 4.23 gram, and flaps more than 12 Hz.  This compliant mechanism based on resonant effect shows a peak in the performance of flap stroke angle, thrust generation and thrust-to-power ratio near its natural frequency.

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21535%2FProICIUS.2012.v8.753

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