Simultaneous Measurements of Unsteady Aerodynamic Loads, Flow Velocity Fields, Position and Wing Deformations of MAVs in Plunging Motion

Abstract

Micro Aircraft Vehicles (MAVs) normally operate at very low Reynolds numbers for which existing design methods developed for conventional aircraft are usually not adequate. The performance of airfoils deteriorates rapidly as the Reynolds number decreases below 105. Additionally, the wings of MAVs usually have low aspect ratios of ≤ 2 so that the wing tip vortices influence the overall wing behavior significantly which may result in non-linear characteristics. Because MAVs must be highly maneuverable and are usually very sensitive to gusts, their dynamics and unsteady aerodynamics are of much interest.