Effect of wing flexibility on the aerodynamic performance of a robotic dragonfly

To investigate the effect of wing covering and the wing rib over the aerodynamic efficiency, a micro aerial vehicle (MAV) like dragonfly with a two paired wing modell is developed and tested in a wind-tunnel with various composite wings. Four different composite forms of wings, namely R-Rigid, SR-Semi Rigid, F-Flexible and HF-Highly Flexible are considered. Results demonstrated that the leading edge rib has an important role in the selection of wing than cord rib. Low aerodynamic performance is observed with R and HF wings, however, SR wing with leading edge rib of 0.8 mm and wing skin thickness of 127 μm exhibits greater aerodynamic efficiency.