Peter Wilkins
Department of Aerospace, Power and Sensors, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham

Abstract

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This paper examines the motivation for developing micro air vehicles, explores the possibilities for their propulsion, and shows that the optimum solution is the use of flapping wings like those used by insects. The kinematics and aerodynamics of insect-like flapping are then analysed, before the methods used during the current study are outlined. Results from the present work are then given, exploring the stable leading-edge vortex seen to occur during insect flight a phenomenon which, it is thought, is responsible for a large proportion of the lift produced by insect-like flapping. The stability of the leading-edge vortex is shown to be a result of spanwise flow within the vortex. Results suggest that a stable, lift-enhancing leading-edge vortex will still exist if insect-like flapping is scaled up in order to propel an MAV.