Aerodynamic evaluation of wing shape and wing orientation in four butterfly species using numerical simulations and a low-speed wind tunnel, and its implications for the design of flying micro-robots

作者：Ancel Alejandro Ortega; Eastwood Rodney; Vogt Daniel; Ithier Carter; Smith Michael; Wood Rob; Kovac Mirko^*

来源：Interface Focus, 2017, 7(1): 20160087.

DOI：10.1098/rsfs.2016.0087

• micro-robots
• butterfly wings
• wind tunnel
• computational fluid dynamics
• gliding

Many insects are well adapted to long-distance migration despite the larger energetic costs of flight for small body sizes. To optimize wing design for next-generation flying micro-robots, we analyse butterfly wing shapes and wing orientations at full scale using numerical simulations and in a low-speed wind tunnel at 2, 3.5 and 5 m s(-1). The results indicate that wing orientations which maximize wing span lead to the highest glide performance, with lift to drag ratios up to 6.28, while spreading the fore-wings forward can increase the maximum lift produced and thus improve versatility. We discuss the implications for flying micro-robots and how the results assist in understanding the behaviour of the butterfly species tested.

• 出版日期2017-1-6