Study of avian inspired features for UAV design

• Main Author: Lau, Leon
• Other Authors: Mir Feroskhan
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2020
• Subjects: Engineering::Aeronautical engineering::Aircraft
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/141734
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

There has been a dramatic rise in UAV usage in recent years. Apart from military functions, we are seeing more applications of UAV in the civil and commercial sectors. To keep up with the demand, there is an increasing number of research and development to increase and improve the functionality of UAVs. One of the methods is the use of biomimicry and more specifically avian-inspiration to motivate novel UAV designs. This work presents a literature review of avian-bird features where they are categorized according to the functions which these features enhance. A discussion and presentation of information is given in relation to how they can inspire UAV design, where limitations and challenges are also considered wherever possible to the extent of the authors knowledge. An overview of currently existing research and development of avian-inspired UAVs is also presented in the literature. The second part of the work presents a novel wing morphing UAV design inspired by the physical avian features of the Peregrine Falcon; the fastest animal in the world.