Aerodynamic Study of Delfy Hovering Flapping Wing

Flapping wing mechanism is undergoing an extensive application nowadays but not yet commercialized for its limited technology to fulfill such a high energy propulsion system with limited power source. However, data gathering on the aerodynamic aspect can be useful to the future generation, during the time when the technology is available. My thesis is to study the aerodynamic characteristic of hovering flapping wing generally on commercial Delfly.
This study will reveal the mechanism used in Delfly and explain the data gathered from aerodynamic fundamentals such as lift, thrust, drag and weight using model equipped with flapping wing mechanism. For a practical research, an optimum angle of attack and frequency of flapping wing also will be counted to provide a maximum lift or thrust. Another parameter important in simulation is energy efficiency by analyzing power input and lift/thrust output. Lastly, characteristic flow of air during observation will be recorded to provide a comprehensive data for future reference.
The result obtained that lift and thrust are synchronize with the flight lift height and velocity in on air. The optimum thrust generated for Delfly is found at tilted angle of 60o forward. This is due to force generated is dived to lift and thrust simultaneously. The efficacy graph force versus voltage input reveal the efficacy is highest starts from 6volt and above. Meanwhile the overall mechanical efficiency is 19.3%. From the slow motion sequences, the air flow characteristic is obtained and shows how the air is drawn due vacuum region created during high speed opening wing phase and generate thrust during flapping close phase.