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Biomimetics
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Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd...
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Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 2173

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 Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic organisms, insects, and avian species employ a distinct kinetic mechanism for locomotion that is 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, which are achieved via 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. In recent years, there has been a discernible increase 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 via the employment of flapping foils. Furthermore, it aims to encompass fundamental investigations that shed light on the underlying physics of flapping foil hydrodynamics. Researchers and engineers involved in the study of diverse fluid mechanics and biomimetic design domains are cordially invited to contribute their cutting-edge research to this Special 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

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 6776 KiB  
Article
Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic Aircraft
by Shuai Yan, Yongjun Zhou, Shuxia Jiang, Hao Xue and Pengcheng Guo
Biomimetics 2025, 10(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10010061 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 698
Abstract
This study investigates the unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms underlying the efficient flight of birds and proposes a biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft design utilizing a double-crank double-rocker mechanism. Building upon a detailed analysis of avian flight dynamics, a two-stage foldable flapping mechanism was developed, integrating an [...] Read more.
This study investigates the unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms underlying the efficient flight of birds and proposes a biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft design utilizing a double-crank double-rocker mechanism. Building upon a detailed analysis of avian flight dynamics, a two-stage foldable flapping mechanism was developed, integrating an optimized double-crank double-rocker structure with a secondary linkage system. This design enables synchronized wing flapping and spanwise folding, significantly enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and dynamic performance. The system’s planar symmetric layout and high-ratio reduction gear configuration ensure movement synchronicity and stability while reducing mechanical wear and energy consumption. Through precise modeling, the motion trajectories of the inner and outer wing segments were derived, providing a robust mathematical foundation for motion control and optimization. Computational simulations based on trajectory equations successfully demonstrated the characteristic figure-eight wingtip motion. Using 3D simulations and CFD analysis, key parameters—including initial angle of attack, aspect ratio, flapping frequency, and flapping speed—were optimized. The results indicate that optimal aerodynamic performance is achieved at an initial angle of attack of 9°, an aspect ratio of 5.1, and a flapping frequency and speed of 4–5 Hz and 4–5 m/s, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft in applications such as UAVs and military technology, providing a solid theoretical foundation for future advancements in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 16084 KiB  
Article
Structural Design and Kinematic Modeling of Highly Biomimetic Flapping-Wing Aircraft with Perching Functionality
by Wenyang Pu, Qiang Shen, Yuhang Yang, Yiming Lu and Yaojie Yan
Biomimetics 2024, 9(12), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9120736 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1198
Abstract
Birds use their claws to perch on branches, which helps them to recover energy and observe their surroundings; however, most biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft can only fly, not perch. This study was conducted on the basis of bionic principles to replicate birds’ claw and [...] Read more.
Birds use their claws to perch on branches, which helps them to recover energy and observe their surroundings; however, most biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft can only fly, not perch. This study was conducted on the basis of bionic principles to replicate birds’ claw and wing movements in order to design a highly biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft capable of perching. First, a posture conversion module with a multi-motor hemispherical gear structure allows the aircraft to flap, twist, swing, and transition between its folded and unfolded states. The perching module, based on helical motion, converts the motor’s rotational movement into axial movement to extend and retract the claws, enabling the aircraft to perch. The head and tail motion module has a dual motor that enables the aircraft’s head and tail to move as flexibly as a bird’s. Kinematic models of the main functional modules are established and verified for accuracy. Functional experiments on the prototype show that it can perform all perching actions, demonstrating multi-modal motion capabilities and providing a foundation upon which to develop dynamics models and control methods for highly biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft with perching functionality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition)
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