Parameterized Aerodynamic Performance of Bio-inspired Corrugated Wings
on Flapping Flight Learned from Microscopy Imaging of Ladybird Beetle
Hindwing
Abstract
Beetle hindwings have two distinct features: the deployable
configuration and wing corrugation. At low Reynolds numbers, the
corrugated wing of flapping insect wings is considered essential in
improving the favorable aerodynamic forces. To further explore whether
significant corrugated structure parameterized combination exists has a
significant effect on aerodynamic effects, this paper proposes three
technical comparison airfoils learned from the microscopy imaging of
ladybird beetle hindwing: corrugated hindwings from ladybird beetle
Harmonia axyridis (CA models), simplified airfoil with triangular
corrugations (TWA models), and a symmetric flat plate wing (FPA model).
Based on ANSYS Fluent, this paper numerically solves the Navier-Stokes
equations using the fluid-structure interaction method. The results show
that (1) the aerodynamic performance of the corrugated section (AP1) is
the optimal among CA models. The higher the frequency, the higher the
lift coefficient, which is related to the vein distribution of models.
(2) The pressure difference of different corrugation patterns shows
significantly asymmetric during the upstroke and downstroke. The
leading-edge vortex (LEV) of AP1 is more captured with the increase of
frequency than AP2 and AP3. (3) Potentially critical parameters for
aerodynamic performance, such as number and angle of the corrugations as
well as the flapping frequencies, have been evaluated and discussed.
Based on these results, 2D ‘simplified’ airfoil models with triangular
corrugations (TWA models) were designed which simulated the optimum
aerodynamic characteristics.