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Modulation of leading edge vorticity and aerodynamic forces in flexible flapping wings.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21852729     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
In diverse biological flight systems, the leading edge vortex has been implicated as a flow feature of key importance in the generation of flight forces. Unlike fixed wings, flapping wings can translate at higher angles of attack without stalling because their leading edge vorticity is more stable than the corresponding fixed wing case. Hence, the leading edge vorticity has often been suggested as the primary determinant of the high forces generated by flapping wings. To test this hypothesis, it is necessary to modulate the size and strength of the leading edge vorticity independently of the gross kinematics while simultaneously monitoring the forces generated by the wing. In a recent study, we observed that forces generated by wings with flexible trailing margins showed a direct dependence on the flexural stiffness of the wing. Based on that study, we hypothesized that trailing edge flexion directly influences leading edge vorticity, and thereby the magnitude of aerodynamic forces on the flexible flapping wings. To test this hypothesis, we visualized the flows on wings of varying flexural stiffness using a custom 2D digital particle image velocimetry system, while simultaneously monitoring the magnitude of the aerodynamic forces. Our data show that as flexion decreases, the magnitude of the leading edge vorticity increases and enhances aerodynamic forces, thus confirming that the leading edge vortex is indeed a key feature for aerodynamic force generation in flapping flight. The data shown here thus support the hypothesis that camber influences instantaneous aerodynamic forces through modulation of the leading edge vorticity.
Authors:
Liang Zhao; Xinyan Deng; Sanjay P Sane
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Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-8-19
Journal Detail:
Title:  Bioinspiration & biomimetics     Volume:  6     ISSN:  1748-3190     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-8-19     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101292902     Medline TA:  Bioinspir Biomim     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  036007     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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