Large Scale Flapping Flight

This project aims to explore how flapping flight can occur at large wingspans (>3 meters). By leveraging recent advances in BLDC motors leading to increased torque density, flight at large scale can be replicated with robotic models. Large scale flapping flight may unlock increased payload, range, and autonomy allowing for an unprecedented range of potential missions. To achieve this increased scale, analysis of wing morphology, wing material design, and structural design of wing roots and powertrain systems will be explored. This project also aims to explore how multi-degree of freedom wing morphology may influence controlability and enable for more efficient flapping flight by leveraging bio-inspiration from other areas of robotics like legged robotic systems.

DEAs and Wing Micro-Stiffness Adjustments

Many large flying animals are able to make small adjustments to the stiffness of their wings when they are flying by contracting their muscles. This is a key capability of flight, especially as different wing stiffnesses are important for different flight regimes. While many current flapping wing robots ignore this functionality entirely, we are hoping to capture this phenomenon using Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs). DEAs are a type of soft robotic actuator that use low-amperage high voltage signals to rapidly stretch or shrink a membrane. Our group is interested in how these lightweight and very fast actuators can be used to improve the efficiency end especially the maneuverability of flapping wing drones.