Insect inspired two-wing flapping wing micro air vehicle

• Main Author: Ma, Jiacheng
• Other Authors: Wu Yanhua
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Aeronautical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/50154
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report presents an in-depth study of the flight of the hawk moth Manduca Sexta, with the goal of replicating its wing motion for the design of a Micro Air Vehicle. Elements of flight that were studied include the wing beat mechanism, the kinematic parameters of flight, as well as the unsteady aerodynamics responsible for increased lift generation. An examination of the morphology within the thorax of the insect was also carried out, and four groups of muscles were identified as being crucial to its flight. Using Solidworks, the wingstroke mechanism for forward flight at speeds greater than 2 m/s was then replicated, producing a result that closely mimics that of an actual moth. The manufacturing of a prototype has also been initiated at the time of submission of this report.