Two- and Three-Dimensional Simulations of Beetle Hind Wing Flapping during Free Forward Flight

doi:10.1016/S1672-6529(13)60227-9

Abstract

Abstract:

Aerodynamic characteristic of the beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus, which has a pair of elytra (forewings) and hind wings, is numerically investigated. Based on the experimental results of wing kinematics, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamic simulations were carried out to reveal aerodynamic performance of the hind wing. The roles of the spiral Leading Edge Vortex (LEV) and the spanwise flow were clarified by comparing 2D and 3D simulations. Mainly due to pitching down of chord line during downstroke in highly inclined stroke plane, relatively high averaged thrust was produced in the free forward flight of the beetle. The effects of the local corrugation and the camber variation were also investigated for the beetle’s hind wings. Our results show that the camber variation plays a significant role in improving both lift and thrust in the flapping. On the other hand, the local corrugation pattern has no significant effect on the aerodynamic force due to large angle of attack during flapping.

Key words: beetle flight, forward flight, three-dimensional simulation, corrugation effect, time-camber variation

Tuyen Quang Le, Tien Van Truong, Hieu Trung Tran, Soo Hyung Park, Jin Hwan K. Two- and Three-Dimensional Simulations of Beetle Hind Wing Flapping during Free Forward Flight[J].J4, 2013, 10(3): 316-328.

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