A Resonant Amplificator Engine for Nano Air Vehicles at the Insect Scale
Antonio Filippone
University of Manchester
Abstract:
We have reproduced flight at the weight scale of dipteran insects by using resonant movement amplification. The new propulsion concept has been applied to a nano air vehicle powered by hoverfly (chrysotoxum cautum) and honey bee (apis mellifera) wings. The insect-size devices have weights in the range 30mg to 50mg, wing spans of 2 to 3 cm and produce vertical thrust-to-weight ratios in excess of 2.7. They convert the small mechanical deformations from a bonded piezoelectric ceramic material into large wing deflections at frequencies between 700 and 900 Hz. The flapping kinematics is achieved without using complex transmissions; it offers low friction and high power density. We will demonstrate control of vertical flight and roll control using different drive signals. The new resonant engine is highly significant and a potential paradigm change for understanding small insect scale flight.