This approach exhibits extremely high movement efficiency, which results in minimal power consumption and long-range mission capability. Piezoelectrically actuated flying insect work Several novel mechanisms have been developed in an attempt to mechanically emulate flapping flight on the meso-scale. Wings are being developed which will exploit particular material properties to emulate the dynamic characteristics of insect wings. The flapping mechanisms developed use piezoelectric unimorph actuators integrated with compliant, solid-state flexure based mechanisms. Due to their capacitive nature, piezoelectric actuators generally dissipate less power than traditional actuation methods such as electromagnetic motors.
Piezoelectric actuators possess a high power density and are capable of high force output.
They are frequently used to induce structural resonances, making them suitable for use in these devices. The dynamics of these systems rely on the mechanics of flexure mechanisms, the mechanical and electrical behavior of the piezoelectric elements, and the aerodynamic interaction of the wings and the air, resulting in a complex, nonlinear problem. Shown below are the two latest flapping prototype designs. Also shown is a picture of the experiemental setup used for wing testing. Click on image to see larger version.