Design, Modeling, and Fabrication of a Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle

The purpose of this research is to design and fabricate a flapping wing micro air vehicle (MAV) using compliant mechanisms and shape deposition manufacturing (SDM). A compliant mechanism is a device that transfers motion, force, or energy and gains at least some of its mobility through the elastic deformation of flexible members. This allows for a reduction of parts and weight, low friction and maintenance, and high precision. Shape deposition manufacturing is a rapid prototyping technology for building up material layers to form complex-shaped, multi-material, embedded-component structures. It allows for lower-cost, near net shape fabrication. A preliminary design was created and analyzed using kinematic software to determine the mechanism’s functionality and the overall structure’s ability to maintain flight. The prototype was fabricated using shape deposition manufacturing, but was not functional due to an error in the design calculations. Changes were made to the design and a second prototype was fabricated. The second prototype is currently not functional due to a problem with the motor. Design iterations will continue to improve the design and once a functioning prototype is produced, the MAV will be tested to determine how much lift it can produce. Experiments will be conducted with different wing designs to find optimal lift performance. If successful, this could lead to a new approach used by designers around the world.No embarg