Hostname: page-component-74656f9884-w5jd6 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-03T23:41:10.742Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

An aerodynamic model for flapping-wing flight

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

J. D. DeLaurier
J. D. DeLaurier*
Affiliation:
Institute of Aerospace Studies, University of Toronto, Downsview, Ontario, Canada
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

A design-oriented model for the unsteady aerodynamics of a flapping wing has been developed using a modified strip theory approach. Within this constraint, vortex-wake effects are accounted for as well as partial leading edge suction and post stall behaviour. Also, the contributions of sectional mean angle of attack, camber, and friction drag are added, which allows this model to be used for the calculation of the average lift, as well as the thrust, power required, and propulsive efficiency of a flapping wing in equilibrium flight. An example of such calculations is presented in the performance prediction of a mechanical flying pterosaur replica.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 97 , Issue 964 , April 1993 , pp. 125 - 130
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1993 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

Footnotes

p1

Editors note: Two further papers on flapping-wing flight by Professor DeLaurier are due for publication in The Aeronautical Journal

References

1. Küchemann, D. and Von Holst, E. Aerodynamics of animal flight, Luftwissen, September 1941, 8, (9), pp 277–282, Translated by L.J. Baker for the Ministry of Aircraft Production, R.T.P. Translation No. 1672.Google Scholar
2. Schmeidler, W. Dynamik des Schwingenfluges, Luftfahrtforschung, 1935, (4), pp 128–133.Google Scholar
3.Schmeidler, W. Flugzeuge mit Flugelantrieb, Luftfahrtforschung, 1936, (4), pp 111–117.Google Scholar
4. Betteridge, D.S. and Archer, R.D. A study of the mechanics of flapping wings, Aeronaut Q, May 1974, pp 129–142.Google Scholar
5. Walker, G. The flapping flight of birds, J R Aeronaut Soc, 1927, 31, pp 590–594.Google Scholar
6. Norberg, U.M. Evolution of vertebrate flight: an aerodynamic model for the transition from gliding to active flight, Am Naturalist, September 1985, 126, (3), pp 303–327.Google Scholar
7. Philps, P.J., East, R.A. and Pratt, N.H. An unsteady lifting-line theory of flapping wings with application to the forward flight of birds, J Fluid Mech, 1981, 112, pp 97–125.Google Scholar
8. Blackwell, J. and Archer, R.D. Performance Characteristics of Simple Flapping Motion With Application to the Cruising Flight of Birds, University of New South Wales Report, 1985/FMT/l, ISSN 0156 3068.Google Scholar
9. Rayner, J.M. A vortex theory of animal flight. Part 2. The forward flight of birds, J Fluid Mech, 1979, 91, (4), pp 731–763.Google Scholar
10. Lighthill, Sir James, Some challenging new applications for basic mathematical methods in the mechanics of fluids that were originally pursued with aeronautical aims, Aeronaut J, February 1990, 94, (932), pp 41–52.Google Scholar
11. Rayner, J. Vertebrate flapping flight mechanics and aerodynamics, and the evolution of flight in bats, Biona-report 5, Gustav Fischer, Stuttgart, 1986, pp 27-74.Google Scholar
12. Jones, R.T. The Unsteady Lift of a Wing of Finite Aspect Ratio, NACA Report No. 681, 1940.Google Scholar
13. Scherer, J.O. Experimental and theoretical investigation of large amplitude oscillating foil propulsion systems, Hydronautics, Laurel, Md, December 1968.Google Scholar
14. Kuethe, A.M. and CHOW, C-Y. The finite wing, Foundations of Aerodynamics, 4th ed, John Wiley, New York, 1986, ppl45–164.Google Scholar
15. Delaurier, J. Drag of wings with cambered aerofoils and partial leading-edge suction, J Aircr, October 1983, 20, (10), pp 882–886.Google Scholar
16. Garrick, I.E. Propulsion of a Flapping and Oscillating Aerofoil, NACA Report No 567, 1936.Google Scholar
17. Hoerner, S.F. Skin-friction drag, Fluid-Dynamic Drag, Published by the Author, Brick Town, NJ, 1965, pp 2-1 to 2–16.Google Scholar
18. Prouty, R.W. Airfoils for rotor blades, Helicopter Performance, Stability, and Control, PWS Engineering, Boston, 1986, pp 397–409.Google Scholar
19. Brooks, A.N., Maccready, P.B., Lissaman, P.B.S. and Morgan, W.R. Development of a wing-flapping flying replica of the largest Pterosaur, AIAA Paper 85-1446, 1985.Google Scholar
20. Hoerner, S.F. Pressure drag, Fluid-Dynamic Drag, Published by the Author, Brick Town, NJ, 1965, pp 3–16.Google Scholar