Study of a novel, four degree-of-freedom spatial flapping mechanism for air vehicles
Date
2006
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
There has been considerable interest recently in developing flapping wing air vehicles for military and commercial markets. The military wants this aircraft for reconnaissance purposes while many consumers desire such a toy for fun and entertainment. Towards the realization of these goals, a novel, four degree-of-freedom spatial flapping mechanism is presented. Each of the two wings utilizes two four-bar mechanisms offset in phase and connected via a spherical link to create flapping with twist. An analytic solution to the kinematics, velocities, and accelerations of the mechanism is given. Finally, favorable parameters of the mechanism are chosen to match the flapping kinematics of an insect, the hawk moth Manduca sexta.