Design and fabrication of piezoelectrically driven wing flapper

Abstract

This study focused on reproducing the flapping mechanism observed in insect flight using piezoelectric material as its driving mechanism. The result was a wing flapper capable of achieving large wing strokes and weighs 1.26gram. In this paper, the author will attempt to describe the flapping wing design, fabrication method and difficulties encountered during the project. A literature review was performed to understand the design and constraints met in the development of efficient micro air vehicle (MAV). The design of the piezo-driven wing flapper consisted of a piezobuzzer, two Z-shaped bronze strip and two pairs of wings. The Z-shaped bronze strips were mounted on the piezobuzzer and the wings were attached adhesively on the top surface of the bronze strip. Upon actuation, the piezoelectric material caused the metal plates to deform and provided a base excitation to the bronze strip. The bronze strip which served as a resonant amplifier then amplified the vibrating motion of the metal plate. The result was a significant increase in flapping angle when compared to similar piezoelectric actuated wing flapper design.