Date of Award
3-2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering
Department
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
First Advisor
Anthony N. Palazotto, PhD
Abstract
For urban combat reconnaissance, the flapping wing micro air vehicle concept is ideal because of its low speed and miniature size, which are both conducive to indoor operations. The focus of this research is the development of experimental methods best suited for the vibration testing of the wing structure of a flapping wing micro air vehicle. This study utilizes the similarity of a beam resonating at its first bending mode to actual wing flapping motion. While computational finite element analysis based on linear vibration theory is employed for preliminary beam sizing, an emphasis is placed on experimental measurement of the nonlinear vibration characteristics introduced as a result of large movement. Beam specimens fabricated from 2024-T3 aluminum alloy and IM7/5250-4 carbon-epoxy were examined using a high speed optical system and a scanning laser vibrometer configured in both three and one dimensions, respectively.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-GAE-ENY-07-M23
DTIC Accession Number
ADA468317
Recommended Citation
Tobias, Adam P., "Experimental Methods to Characterize Nonlinear Vibration of Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicles" (2007). Theses and Dissertations. 2972.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/2972