Polymer-Based Flapping-Wing Robotic Insects: Progresses in Wing Fabrication, Conception and Simulation

This paper reports our recent progresses on the conception of polymer-based flapping-wing robotic insect, which involves the design, fabrication and characterization of novel all-polymer wing as well as their aeroelastic simulation. Accomplished MEMS technology allows the production of artificial wing with complex geometry as well as complete prototype with material mimicking the insect one. Key innovation of our design is the flexible resonant wing on an active bending mode coupled with passive torsion. Structural optimizations are reported aiming to increase the wing kinematics and the associated aerodynamic forces. Simultaneously to improve prediction and optimization of wing aerodynamic performance, a novel aeroelastic model is introduced using finite element method coupled with the quasi-steady analysis of insect flight. Although only basic wing shapes are here considered, the aeroelastic model exhibits promising capabilities for the evaluation of more realistic wing.© 2011 ASME