Wingtip Vortices of a Biomimetic Micro Air Vehicle

Abstract

Wingtip vortices are generated behind a wing that produces lift. They exhibit a circular pattern of spinning air that generates an additional drag force, the induced drag, reducing the aerodynamic performance of an aircraft. Moreover, the wingtip vortices can pose a hazard to airplane maneuvers, mainly in take-off and landing operations. This chapter describes a review of the lifting-line vortex theory applied to a biomimetic Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) with Zimmerman planform. Therefore, the horseshoe vortex model is deeply explained and the estimations of vortex velocity distribution, lift, and induced drag are obtained with this simple model. These results are compared with experimental data obtained from wind tunnel testing by using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Finally, the vorticity maps in the wake of this MAV are obtained from PIV measurements.