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Biomimetics
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Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation
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Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetic Design, Constructions and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2024 | Viewed by 2703

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jian Deng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Interests: biomimetic hydrodynamics; fluid mechanics for flying and swimming; collective locomotion; hydrodynamic stability; computational fluid dynamics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic organisms, insects, and avian species employ a distinct kinetic mechanism for locomotion, characterized by oscillatory motions involving fins or wings, as opposed to conventional rotational propellers. This unconventional approach yields highly efficient propulsion and maneuvering capabilities. Notably, species such as tuna, dolphins, and sharks showcase exemplary hydrodynamic performance, characterized by elevated cruising speeds, superior efficiency, and minimal noise generation, achieved through the flapping motion of their caudal fins. Additionally, these oscillatory motions present opportunities for harnessing energy from incoming vortices or unsteady flows. Both applications necessitate a nuanced understanding of intricate physical mechanisms, encompassing fluid–structure interactions, leading-edge flow separation, and stall delay. Recently, there has been a discernible surge in research focused on unraveling the dynamics of flapping foils, evident in the escalating volume of publications dedicated to this subject.

This Special Issue aims to encapsulate novel conceptual designs for biomimetic propulsion or power generation employing flapping foils. Furthermore, it encompasses fundamental investigations that shed light on the underlying physics of flapping foil hydrodynamics. Researchers and engineers across diverse fluid mechanics and biomimetic design domains are cordially invited to contribute their cutting-edge research to this issue.

Prof. Dr. Jian Deng
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • flapping foil
  • biomimetic propulsion
  • power generation
  • fluid–structure interaction

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 5043 KiB  
Article
Postural Change of the Annual Cicada (Tibicen linnei) Helps Facilitate Backward Flight
by Ayodeji T. Bode-Oke, Alec Menzer and Haibo Dong
Biomimetics 2024, 9(4), 233; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biomimetics9040233 - 14 Apr 2024
Viewed by 389
Abstract
Cicadas are heavy fliers well known for their life cycles and sound production; however, their flight capabilities have not been extensively investigated. Here, we show for the first time that cicadas appropriate backward flight for additional maneuverability. We studied this flight mode using [...] Read more.
Cicadas are heavy fliers well known for their life cycles and sound production; however, their flight capabilities have not been extensively investigated. Here, we show for the first time that cicadas appropriate backward flight for additional maneuverability. We studied this flight mode using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations based on three-dimensional reconstructions of high-speed videos captured in a laboratory. Backward flight was characterized by steep body angles, high angles of attack, and high wing upstroke velocities. Wing motion occurred in an inclined stroke plane that was fixed relative to the body. Likewise, the directions of the half-stroke-averaged aerodynamic forces relative to the body (local frame) were constrained in a narrow range (<20°). Despite the drastic difference of approximately 90° in body posture between backward and forward flight in the global frame, the aerodynamic forces in both flight scenarios were maintained in a similar direction relative to the body. The forces relative to the body were also oriented in a similar direction when observed during climbs and turns, although the body orientation and motions were different. Hence, the steep posture appropriated during backward flight was primarily utilized for reorienting both the stroke plane and aerodynamic force in the global frame. A consequence of this reorientation was the reversal of aerodynamic functions of the half strokes in backward flight when compared to forward flight. The downstroke generated propulsive forces, while the upstroke generated vertical forces. For weight support, the upstroke, which typically generates lesser forces in forward flight, is aerodynamically active in backward flight. A leading-edge vortex (LEV) was observed on the forewings during both half strokes. The LEV’s effect, together with the high upstroke velocity, increased the upstroke’s force contribution from 10% of the net forces in forward flight to 50% in backward flight. The findings presented in this study have relevance to the design of micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs), as backward flight is an important characteristic for MAV maneuverability or for taking off from vertical surfaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation)
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20 pages, 8446 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Spanwise Folding on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Passively Deformed Flapping Wing
by Ming Qi, Menglong Ding, Wenguo Zhu and Shu Li
Biomimetics 2024, 9(1), 42; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biomimetics9010042 - 10 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1741
Abstract
The wings of birds exhibit multi-degree-of-freedom motions during flight. Among them, the flapping folding motion and chordwise passive deformation of the wings are prominent features of large birds in flight, contributing to their exceptional flight capabilities. This article presents a method for the [...] Read more.
The wings of birds exhibit multi-degree-of-freedom motions during flight. Among them, the flapping folding motion and chordwise passive deformation of the wings are prominent features of large birds in flight, contributing to their exceptional flight capabilities. This article presents a method for the fast and accurate calculation of folding passive torsional flapping wings in the early design stage. The method utilizes the unsteady three-dimensional panel method to solve the aerodynamic force and the linear beam element model to analyze the fluid–structure coupling problem. Performance comparisons of folding flapping wings with different kinematics are conducted, and the effects of various kinematic parameters on folding flapping wings are analyzed. The results indicate that kinematic parameters significantly influence the lift coefficient, thrust coefficient, and propulsion efficiency. Selecting the appropriate kinematic and geometric parameters is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of the folding flapping wing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation)
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