Small-sized flapping UAV

On this page, you will find some work related to the design of a small-sized flapping unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the numerical simulation of a flapping UAV. If you are interested in working on flapping wings propulsion, UAV design, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), moving meshes, or a similar topic, drop me an email.

Avian model design conditions, dimensions, and render

• Avian model design conditions:
  • Maximum weight = 1.0 kg
  • Maximum flapping frequency = 3.0 Hz
  • Miminum velocity (hand launch velocity) = 5.0 m/s
  • Maximum velocity = 14.0 m/s
  • Expected autonomy = 20.0 min
• Detailed dimensions and position of the center of gravity CG (it might not be the final version).

Avian model flight envelope and longitudinal stability curves

Selected animations

• Mesh smoothing and remeshing during one flapping cycle.
• Instantaneous forces during one flapping cycle. Flight conditions: forward velocity = 5.0 m/s, pitch angle = 0.0 deg, flapping frequency = 3.0 Hz, standard atmosphere at sea level.
• Flow visualization using Q criterion. Flight conditions: forward velocity = 5.0 m/s, pitch angle = 0.0 deg, flapping frequency = 3.0 Hz, standard atmosphere at sea level.

A few related publications

• Preliminary design of a small-sized flapping UAV. I. Kinematic and structural aspects. Francesca Negrello, Paolo Silvestri, Aleramo Lucifredi, Joel Guerrero, Alessandro Bottaro. AIMETA Conference. September 17-20, 2013. Torino, Italy.
• Preliminary design of a small-sized flapping UAV. II. Aerodynamic Performance and Flight Stability. J. Guerrero, C. Pacioselli, J. Pralits, F. Negrello, P. Silvestri, A. Bottaro. AIMETA Conference. September 17-20, 2013. Torino, Italy.
• Preliminary design of a mechanism for flapping flight - durability analysis and vibration modes. F. Negrello, P. Silvestri, A. Lucifredi, J. Guerrero, A. Bottaro. The Eleventh International Conference on Condition Monitoring and Machinery Failure Prevention Technologies. Manchester, UK. CM 2014/MFPT 2014. June 10-12, 2014.
• Preliminary design of a small-sized flapping UAV: I. Aerodynamic performance and static longitudinal stability. J. E. Guerrero, C. Pacioselli, J. O. Pralits, F. Negrello, P. Silvestri, A. Lucifredi, A. Bottaro. Meccanica. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-015-0298-6.
• Preliminary design of a small-sized flapping UAV: II. Kinematic and structural aspects. F. Negrello , P. Silvestri, A. Lucifredi, J. E. Guerrero, A. Bottaro. Meccanica. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-015-0309-7.
• Erratum to: Preliminary design of a small-sized flapping UAV: I. Aerodynamic performance and static longitudinal stability. J. E. Guerrero, C. Pacioselli, J. O. Pralits, F. Negrello, P. Silvestri, A. Lucifredi, A. Bottaro. Meccanica. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-016-0571-3.