Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic Aircraft
This study investigates the unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms underlying the efficient flight of birds and proposes a biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft design utilizing a double-crank double-rocker mechanism. Building upon a detailed analysis of avian flight dynamics, a two-stage foldable flapping mec...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Biomimetics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/10/1/61 |
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| author | Shuai Yan Yongjun Zhou Shuxia Jiang Hao Xue Pengcheng Guo |
| author_facet | Shuai Yan Yongjun Zhou Shuxia Jiang Hao Xue Pengcheng Guo |
| author_sort | Shuai Yan |
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| description | This study investigates the unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms underlying the efficient flight of birds and proposes a biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft design utilizing a double-crank double-rocker mechanism. Building upon a detailed analysis of avian flight dynamics, a two-stage foldable flapping mechanism was developed, integrating an optimized double-crank double-rocker structure with a secondary linkage system. This design enables synchronized wing flapping and spanwise folding, significantly enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and dynamic performance. The system’s planar symmetric layout and high-ratio reduction gear configuration ensure movement synchronicity and stability while reducing mechanical wear and energy consumption. Through precise modeling, the motion trajectories of the inner and outer wing segments were derived, providing a robust mathematical foundation for motion control and optimization. Computational simulations based on trajectory equations successfully demonstrated the characteristic figure-eight wingtip motion. Using 3D simulations and CFD analysis, key parameters—including initial angle of attack, aspect ratio, flapping frequency, and flapping speed—were optimized. The results indicate that optimal aerodynamic performance is achieved at an initial angle of attack of 9°, an aspect ratio of 5.1, and a flapping frequency and speed of 4–5 Hz and 4–5 m/s, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft in applications such as UAVs and military technology, providing a solid theoretical foundation for future advancements in this field. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6fe161e777b44017b3d62ea4d3d70618 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2313-7673 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Biomimetics |
| spelling | doaj-art-6fe161e777b44017b3d62ea4d3d706182025-01-24T13:24:46ZengMDPI AGBiomimetics2313-76732025-01-011016110.3390/biomimetics10010061Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic AircraftShuai Yan0Yongjun Zhou1Shuxia Jiang2Hao Xue3Pengcheng Guo4Department of Vehicle Engineering, School of Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing, Changsha 410004, ChinaDepartment of Vehicle Engineering, School of Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing, Changsha 410004, ChinaDepartment of Vehicle Engineering, School of Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing, Changsha 410004, ChinaDepartment of Vehicle Engineering, School of Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing, Changsha 410004, ChinaAutomotive Parts Research Institute, Hunan University of Technology, Hengyang 421002, ChinaThis study investigates the unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms underlying the efficient flight of birds and proposes a biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft design utilizing a double-crank double-rocker mechanism. Building upon a detailed analysis of avian flight dynamics, a two-stage foldable flapping mechanism was developed, integrating an optimized double-crank double-rocker structure with a secondary linkage system. This design enables synchronized wing flapping and spanwise folding, significantly enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and dynamic performance. The system’s planar symmetric layout and high-ratio reduction gear configuration ensure movement synchronicity and stability while reducing mechanical wear and energy consumption. Through precise modeling, the motion trajectories of the inner and outer wing segments were derived, providing a robust mathematical foundation for motion control and optimization. Computational simulations based on trajectory equations successfully demonstrated the characteristic figure-eight wingtip motion. Using 3D simulations and CFD analysis, key parameters—including initial angle of attack, aspect ratio, flapping frequency, and flapping speed—were optimized. The results indicate that optimal aerodynamic performance is achieved at an initial angle of attack of 9°, an aspect ratio of 5.1, and a flapping frequency and speed of 4–5 Hz and 4–5 m/s, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft in applications such as UAVs and military technology, providing a solid theoretical foundation for future advancements in this field.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/10/1/61bio-inspired designkinematic simulationaerodynamic performancefoldable wingsCFD simulation |
| spellingShingle | Shuai Yan Yongjun Zhou Shuxia Jiang Hao Xue Pengcheng Guo Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic Aircraft Biomimetics bio-inspired design kinematic simulation aerodynamic performance foldable wings CFD simulation |
| title | Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic Aircraft |
| title_full | Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic Aircraft |
| title_fullStr | Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic Aircraft |
| title_full_unstemmed | Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic Aircraft |
| title_short | Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic Aircraft |
| title_sort | design and aerodynamic analysis of a flapping mechanism for foldable biomimetic aircraft |
| topic | bio-inspired design kinematic simulation aerodynamic performance foldable wings CFD simulation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/10/1/61 |
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