Insect inspired four-wing flapping wing micro air vehicle

Abstract

There has been an increase in the research and development of Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs). And with MAV’s small dimensions, it was only natural that many have looked towards nature for inspiration. In nature, all biological fliers use flapping wings to achieve flight. As MAVs operate at low Reynolds numbers, biological machines such as animals and insects can be used as inspiration as these organisms fly at low Reynolds numbers as well. Through the process of evolution, nature has refined these organisms to have extremely efficient flight mechanisms. This report describes the process of designing a flapping wing mechanism for a MAV that has been inspired by four winged insects.