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Simulating Flapping Wing Mechanisms Inspired by the Manduca sexta Hawkmoth

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Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems (Living Machines 2018)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNAI,volume 10928))

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Abstract

Several flapping wing mechanisms have been designed from studying the Manduca sexta hawkmoth. Simulations of these mechanisms have advanced our understanding of the multiple underlying and interconnected (coupled) mechanical principles at work. Kinematic models are created and indicate that a Scotch yoke inspired mechanism more closely mimics the wing-tip motions observed in M. sexta as compared to a slider-crank type mechanism. Subsequently, a kinetic simulation of the Scotch yoke actuator is developed utilizing Lagrange multipliers and solving the system of equations with a Runge-Kutta Fehlberg numerical method. Inspired by analysis of the M. sexta hawkmoth thorax muscles, spring-like components are introduced into this system that engage as the wings enter stroke reversal and disengage prior to midstroke. Results of the kinetic simulation indicate areas in which improvements can be made to reduce energy losses due to friction. These simulations serve as a tool for tuning the components of the multibody dynamic system and therefore aid in future designs of the flapping wing mechanism. Establishing the mechanism and associated power requirements is a prerequisite to the development of a fully functional flight-worthy hawkmoth inspired drone.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7222, USA

    Kenneth C. Moses, David Prigg, Matthias Weisfeld, Richard J. Bachmann & Roger D. Quinn

  2. Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7080, USA

    Mark Willis

Authors
  1. Kenneth C. Moses
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  2. David Prigg
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  3. Matthias Weisfeld
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  4. Richard J. Bachmann
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  5. Mark Willis
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  6. Roger D. Quinn
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kenneth C. Moses .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. SPECS, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain

    Vasiliki Vouloutsi

  2. Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des, Université Paris Diderot, Paris Cedex 13, France

    José Halloy

  3. SPECS, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain

    Anna Mura

  4. University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom

    Michael Mangan

  5. Bristol University, Bristol, United Kingdom

    Nathan Lepora

  6. University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom

    Tony J. Prescott

  7. SPECS, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain

    Paul F.M.J. Verschure

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Moses, K.C., Prigg, D., Weisfeld, M., Bachmann, R.J., Willis, M., Quinn, R.D. (2018). Simulating Flapping Wing Mechanisms Inspired by the Manduca sexta Hawkmoth. In: Vouloutsi , V., et al. Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2018. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 10928. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95972-6_35

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95972-6_35

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-95971-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-95972-6

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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