An experimental investigation of flapping wing propulsion for micro air vehicles
By: Sean Joseph. Duggan
Contributors: Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 2000
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 59
Description: Flapping-wing propulsion is studied experimentally through thrust measurements and flow visualization. The objective of the research is to provide further insight into the aerodynamics of flapping-wing micro air vehicles (MAVs) . Experimental work is conducted in the NPS 1.5 m x 1.5 m in-draft wind tunnel. A previously constructed model is suspended by thin wires and is used to measure the thrust performance of the flapping-wing MAV. For this experiment, the model is tested in four configurations; three with varying wing mount stiffness and the fourth with an articulated pitch mechanism. Thrust is indirectly determined using a laser range-finder to measure stream-wise displacement of the model. Three methods of flow visualization are attempted to gain further insight into the flow-field around the MAV. First tufts are placed on and around the model to identify the flow-field Second, a smoke rake placed outside the tunnel is used to route smoke into the test section. Thirdly, a smoke wire system is used to produce smoke in the test section. Experimental results are compared with flow visualization results and previous experimental and numerical work.
Notes: Thesis advisors: Jones, Kevin D. ; Platzer, Max F.

"June 2000."

Thesis (M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering)--Naval Postgraduate School, June 2000.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-59)

"Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited."--Cover.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat reader.

Canadian Armed Forces author.

dk/dk cc:9116 9/7/00, updated 1/9/2008 maw.