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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue Open Access

Aerodynamic Analysis of Bio-inspired Wing with Adaptive Aspect Ratio

  1. Jini Raj R.* Aeronautical Department, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology Bangalore
  2. Praveen N. Aeronautical Department, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology Bangalore
  3. Srikanth H.V. Aeronautical Department, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology Bangalore
  4. Mohammed Nijal Aeronautical Department, Gopalan College of Engineering & Management Bangalore
  5. Anil Umesh Bhat Aeronautical Department, Gopalan College of Engineering & Management Bangalore

Abstract

The bio-inspired morphing wing is a futuristic concept in the aviation field that draws inspiration from birds and insects. Drawing inspiration from the exceptional flight capabilities of birds and insects, the goal is to develop a wing design that can adapt its aspect ratio, similar to nature. By incorporating the adaptive aspect ratio capabilities into the wing configuration, it becomes possible to optimize the wing's aerodynamic performance to adapt wide assortment of flight settings, including high-speed cruise and increased maneuverability. The wing aspect ratio is changed dynamically from a fully extended condition to a retracted condition through servo actuation. The aerodynamic characteristics of the retracted and fully extended conditions are analysed by Xfoil Low Reynolds number (XFLR5) simulations providing insights for performance optimization. The results show that by changing the aspect ratio to a fully extended condition, the lift-to-drag (L/D) ratio and lift coefficient (Cl) are increased and the drag coefficient (Cd) is reduced because of the reduction in induced drag. Similarly, at the retracted condition, the L/D ratio and Cl are reduced and the drag is increased. This capability can be adopted during high-speed turns and during instant landing, this wing is more efficient and can be adopted for all flight conditions thereby opening doors to new possibilities in the field of aerial vehicles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

Keywords

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