Optimum hovering wing planform

Mostafa R. A. Nabawy, William J. Crowther

    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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    Abstract

    Theoretical analysis is used to identify the optimum wing planform of a flapping/revolving wing in hover. This solution is of interest as a benchmark to which hovering wing geometries driven by broader multidisciplinary evolutionary or engineering constraints can be compared. Furthermore, useful insights into the aerodynamic performance of untwisted hovering wings are delivered. It is shown that profile power is minimised by using an untwisted elliptical planform whereas induced power is minimised by a more highly tapered planform similar to that of a hummingbird.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)187-191
    Number of pages5
    JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology
    Volume406
    Early online date18 Jun 2016
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 7 Oct 2016

    Keywords

    • Insect flight
    • Flapping wings
    • Revolving wings
    • Aerodynamics
    • Hummingbird
    • Elliptic wing

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      • Microsystems

        Nabawy BSc, MSc, PhD, MRAeS, SMAIAA, FHEA, M. (PI), Cioncolini, A. (CoI), Revell, A. (CoI), crowther, W. (CoI), Ren, L. (CoI), Shearwood, T. (PGR student), Mohamed, A. (PGR student), Wang, J. (PGR student) & Bond, E. (PGR student)

        Project: Research

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