Aerodynamic Characterization of a Wing Membrane with Variable Compliance

Membrane wings with variable compliance have a great potential to improve the maneuverability and performance of micro air vehicles. Moreover, changes in membrane wing compliance might be used by flying animals, such as bats, to control aerodynamic performance. In this work, the mechanical properties and aerodynamic performance of a low-aspect-ratio membrane wing with variable compliance was characterized. The membrane was made of dielectric material coated with compliant electrodes and supported by a rigid frame. The compliance of the wing was controlled by applying a voltage across a membrane. The wing model was tested in a wind tunnel. It was found that, when a fixed voltage is applied across the wing membrane, the camber increases, accompanied by a small increase in lift. However, lift is significantly increased when the wing is forced with an oscillating field at specific frequencies. In addition, stall is delayed, and for a range of angle of attacks, there is an increase in lift-to-drag ratio. Fluid...

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