Publication Date
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
George Huang (Advisor), James Menart (Committee Member), Joseph Shang (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering (MSEgr)
Abstract
Flapping wing micro air vehicles (FWMAV) have very unique flight mechanics in two-wing orientation. Many challenges arise with two wing configuration: lift production, design construction, and control systems. Control surfaces used in fixed wings can be used but at low Reynolds numbers they become less effective. In order to truly mimic insects with two wings, control mechanisms must be developed. Since MAVs are designed to navigate through confined spaces they need to have many degrees of freedom in motion. One way is to use a continuous variable transmission (CVT) mechanism, by integrating its infinite gear ratios to change the flapping frequency of each wing independently it will be able to generate a roll maneuver. In previous work, two motor designs were used; by using a CVT design an additional motor weight can be neglected. The work completed was the development of a cone CVT design for MAV use that could produce variable frequency in each wing. Testing and analysis of the prototype model shows the design as possible control method in MAVs.
Page Count
141
Department or Program
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Year Degree Awarded
2014
Copyright
Copyright 2014, some rights reserved. My ETD may be copied and distributed only for non-commercial purposes and may not be modified. All use must give me credit as the original author.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
