Smart flapping wing using macrofiber composite actuators

Dae-Kwan Kim; Jae-Hung Han

doi:10.1117/12.658117

5 April 2006 Smart flapping wing using macrofiber composite actuators

Dae-Kwan Kim, Jae-Hung Han

Proceedings Volume 6173, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems; 61730F (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.658117
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In the present study, we have developed a smart flapping wing with a MFC (macro-fiber composites) actuator. To mimic the flying mechanisms of nature's flyers such as birds or insects, the aerodynamic characteristics related to the birds and ornithopters are investigated. To measure the aerodynamic forces of flapping devices, a test stand consisting of two loadcells is manufactured, and the dynamic tests are performed for an onithopter. The smart flapping wing is designed and manufactured using composite materials and MFC actuators. The camber of the wing can be changed by using the surface actuators to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the wing. Finally, aerodynamic tests are performed in a subsonic wind tunnel to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of the smart flapping wing. Experimental results show that unsteady flow effects are increased with low velocity in high flapping frequency regions, and that the deformation of the wing surface generated by the MFC is enough to control the lift and thrust. The lift generated by the smart flapping wing can be increased by 20% when the MFC is actuated.

Citation Download Citation

Dae-Kwan Kim and Jae-Hung Han "Smart flapping wing using macrofiber composite actuators", Proc. SPIE 6173, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, 61730F (5 April 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.658117

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available