One-way FSI analysis of bio-inspired flapping wings

Abstract

Aerodynamics and structural dynamics of the insect wings are widely considered in flapping wing micro air vehicle (FWMAV) applications. In this paper, the aerodynamic characteristics of the three-dimensional flapping wing models mimicked from the bumblebee and hawkmoth wings are numerically investigated under steady flow conditions. This study aims to simulate the one-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) of these bio-inspired wings by transferring the aerodynamic load obtained from the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) into the finite element method (FEM) solver as a pressure load. The static aeroelastic responses of the wings under the pressure load are compared for different materials, namely, cuticle, aluminium alloy, and titanium alloy at various angles of attack (alpha = 0 degrees-90 degrees). CFD analysis shows that the hawkmoth wing model at alpha = 5 degrees has the highest lift-to-drag ratio (L/D). FSI analysis demonstrates that the cuticle hawkmoth wing model at alpha = 90 degrees undergoes the highest tip deflection.