A computational and experimental investigation of flapping-wing propulsion
Loading...
Authors
Lund, Timothy Craig
Subjects
Flapping-wing
Low Reynolds number
USPOT
Panel code
Laser Doppler velocimetry
LDV
Low Reynolds number
USPOT
Panel code
Laser Doppler velocimetry
LDV
Advisors
Jones, Kevin D.
Platzer, Max F.
Date of Issue
2000-03
Date
March 2000
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
Flapping-wing propulsion is studied experimentally and numerically. The objective of the research is to provide further insight into the aerodynamics of flapping-wing air vehicles. Experimental work is conducted in the NPS 1.5 m x 1.5 m (5 ft x 5 ft) in-draft wind tunnel. A previously constructed long-span flapping-wing model suspended by cables is used to approximate the two-dimensional nature of the numerical simulation. For this experiment, the model is configured with two wings executing plunge-only motion. Thrust is indirectly determined by using a laser rangefinder to measure streamwise displacement of the model. Results are compared with previous experimental tests. A numerical analysis is conducted using USPOT, a locally developed unsteady panel code that models two independently moving airfoils with three degrees of freedom and non-linear deforming wakes. Thrust and efficiencies are computed for harmonically oscillating airfoils. Direct comparison is made between experimental and numerical thrust measurements.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
x, 70 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.