Computation of the Aerodynamic Forces, Design and Development of an Orinthopter

Abstract

An aircraft flying by flapping its wings is called as ornithopter. Ornithopters are called as flapping-wing models and usually built to the size of birds. The wings of the ornithopter generate lift as well as thrust. For the low Reynolds number range, flapping wings are the most efficient means of propulsion, which is why a lot of MAVs (micro aerial vehicles) have flapping wings. They also have the added advantage of better manoeuvrability, as natural flyers such as birds and insects that demonstrate superior flight skills. Ornithopters are used for military applications such as aerial reconnaissance and animal behavioural research since they are made to resemble birds. The present work focuses on the computation of the aerodynamic forces, design and fabrication of an ornithopter. A code is developed to compute the lift, thrust and drag forces generated by the wings using a theoretical model of equations. The design proposed in this study uses a transverse shaft gear system for the power train mechanism to flap the wings. The model was tested and optimizations were done for improving the flight.