• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.48-53
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• 2005

In this paper, we present our recent progress in the LIPCA (Lightweight Piezo-Composite Actuator) application for actuation of a flapping wing device. The flapping device uses linkage system that can amplify the actuation displacement of LIPCA. The feathering mechanism is also designed and implemented such that the wing can rotate during flapping. The natural flapping-frequency of the device was about 9 Hz, where the maximum flapping angle was achieved. The flapping test under 4 Hz to 15 Hz flapping frequency was performed to investigate the flapping performance by measuring the produced lift and thrust. Maximum lift and thrust were produced when the flapping device was actuated at about the natural flapping-frequency.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.82-92
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• 2005

The present study was carried out in order to develop a remote-controlled micro ornithopter with a weight of 20 gram. This ornithopter has three channel radio control. It runs on two direct-current type pager motors powered by a lithium polymer battery which flaps its 35cm wings. The performance of an ornithopter, applied to a flapping motion only, was validated by flight tests. The flight test results indicate that the ornithopter developed here has sufficient thrust to propel itself.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.46 no.9
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• pp.712-722
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• 2018

This paper conducts parametric studies on flapping wing design, one of the most important design parameters of insect-mimicking aerial vehicles. Experimental study on wing shape was done through comparison and analysis of thrust, pitching moment, power consumption, and thrust-to-power ratio. A two-axis balance and hall sensor measure force and moment, and flapping frequency, respectively. Wing configuration is biplane configuration which can develop clap and fling effect. A reference wing shape is a simplified dragonfly's wing and studies on aspect ratio and wing area were implemented. As a result, thrust, pitching moment, and power consumption tend to increase as aspect ratio and area increase. Also, it is found that the flapping mechanism was not normally operated when the main wing has an aspect ratio or area more than each certain value. Finally, the wing shape is determined by comparing thrust-to-power ratio of all wings satisfying the required minimum thrust. However, the stability is not secured due to moment generated by disaccord between thrust line and center of gravity. To cope with this, aerodynamic dampers are used at the top and bottom of the fuselage; then, indoor flight test was attempted for indirect performance verification of the parametric study of the main wing.