Distinct Aerodynamics of Insect-Scale Flight

Description:

Insect scale flapping-wing flight vehicles can conduct environmental monitoring, disaster assessment, mapping, positioning and security around complex and challenging surroundings. To develop bio-inspired flight vehicles, systematic probing based on the particular category of flight vehicles is needed. This Element addresses the aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, geometry, stability and dynamics of flexible flapping wings in the insect flight regime. We highlight distinct features and issues related to wing-wing interactions, contrast aerodynamic stability between rigid and flexible wings, implications of the wing aspect ratio, using canonical models and dragonflies to elucidate scientific insight as well as technical capabilities of bio-inspired design.