Control of Flight Forces and Moments by the Flapping Wings of a Model Bumble-bee

WU Jiang-hao; SUN Mao

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Article Navigation > Applied Mathematics and Mechanics > 2008 > 29(3): 301-315

WU Jiang-hao, SUN Mao. Control of Flight Forces and Moments by the Flapping Wings of a Model Bumble-bee[J]. Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, 2008, 29(3): 301-315.

Citation:

WU Jiang-hao, SUN Mao. Control of Flight Forces and Moments by the Flapping Wings of a Model Bumble-bee[J]. Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, 2008, 29(3): 301-315.

Citation:

WU Jiang-hao, SUN Mao. Control of Flight Forces and Moments by the Flapping Wings of a Model Bumble-bee[J]. Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, 2008, 29(3): 301-315.

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Control of Flight Forces and Moments by the Flapping Wings of a Model Bumble-bee

WU Jiang-hao¹,
SUN Mao²

1.
School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics, Beijing 100083, P. R. China;

Received Date: 2007-09-17
Rev Recd Date: 2008-01-14
Publish Date: 2008-03-15

Abstract

Abstract

The control of flight forces and moments by the flapping wings of a model bumble-bee is studied using the method of computational fluid dynamics. Hovering flight was taken as the reference flight: wing kinematic parameters are varied with respect to their values at hovering flight. Moments about (and forces along) x, y, z axes that pass the center of mass were computed. Changing stroke amplitude (or wingbeat frequency) mainly produces a vertical force. Changing mean stroke angle mainly produces a pitch moment. Changing wing angle of attack, when down-and up-strokes having equal change, mainly produces a vertical force, and when down-and up-strokes having opposite changes, mainly produces a horizontal force and a pitch moment. Changing wing rotation timing, when dorsal and ventral rotations having the same timing, mainly produces a vertical force, and when dorsal and ventral rotations having opposite timings, mainly produces a pitch moment and a horizontal force. Changing rotation duration has very small effect on the forces and moments. Anti- symmetrically changing stroke amplitude (or wingbeat frequency) of the contralateral wings mainly produces a roll moment. Anti- symmetrically changing the angles of attack of the contralateral wings, when down-and up-stroke having equal change, mainly produces a roll moment, and when down-and up-stroke having opposite changes, mainly produces a yaw moment. Anti- symmetrically changing wing rotation timing of the contralateral wings, when dorsal and ventral rotations having the same timing, mainly produces a roll moment and a side force, and when dorsal and ventral rotations having opposite timings, mainly produces a yaw moment. Vertical force and moments about the three axes can be separately controlled by separate kinematic variables. Very fast rotation can be achieved with moderate changes in wing kinematics.
- insect,
- flight force and moment,
- control,
- hovering,
- turning maneuver

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References(16)

References

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