Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 3 of 3
Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering
Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulations Of A Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle, Alex W. Byrd
Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulations Of A Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle, Alex W. Byrd
Browse all Theses and Dissertations
Interest in micro air vehicles (MAVs) for reconnaissance and surveillance has grown steadily in the last decade. Prototypes are being developed and built with a variety of capabilities, such as the ability to hover and glide. However, the design of these vehicles is hindered by the lack of understanding of the underlying physics; therefore, the design process for MAVs has relied mostly on trial-and-error based production. Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) techniques can be used to improve upon the results found in traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. In this thesis, a verification of FSI is first completed, followed by FSI MAV …
Variable Speed Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle Using A Continuous Variable Transmission Design, Jason C. Chuang
Variable Speed Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle Using A Continuous Variable Transmission Design, Jason C. Chuang
Browse all Theses and Dissertations
Flapping wing micro air vehicles (FWMAV) have very unique flight mechanics in two-wing orientation. Many challenges arise with two wing configuration: lift production, design construction, and control systems. Control surfaces used in fixed wings can be used but at low Reynolds numbers they become less effective. In order to truly mimic insects with two wings, control mechanisms must be developed. Since MAVs are designed to navigate through confined spaces they need to have many degrees of freedom in motion. One way is to use a continuous variable transmission (CVT) mechanism, by integrating its infinite gear ratios to change the flapping …
Computational Investigation Of A Hinge-Connected Hovering Plate, Zachary Robert Gaston
Computational Investigation Of A Hinge-Connected Hovering Plate, Zachary Robert Gaston
Browse all Theses and Dissertations
A simplified conceptual flapping wing MAV design, capable of hover, is formed from the works of both biologists and engineers, studying the behavior of flying insects and the aerodynamics of flapping flight. With this new model, hovering hinged plates are used to study the effects of passive deflection on aerodynamic performance using two-dimensional Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) at low Reynolds numbers (Re). The hinge is modeled as a torsional spring at the leading edge, where prescribed motion is applied. The influence of forced-to-natural frequency ratio (hinge stiffness) and stroke-to-chord ratio (leading edge kinematics) are studied, to explore the effects that …