Ornithology-Inspired Flow Analysis for Optimized Artificial Mellisuga Helenae Performance

Abstract

An remarkable effectiveness of actual bird flight, this project\'s aim is to develop a biomimetic artificial Mellisuga Helenae featuring a semi-elliptical wing design. The aim is to develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)capableofexecutingvarious efficient tasksin areas like wildlife monitoring, ecological assessment, and emergency response bymimickingbasicflightdynamics such as flapping, folding, and bending. The wing design, incorporating camber and twist, wasmeticulouslycraftedwithadvancedCAD software such as SolidWorks to enhance lift and maintain precise control during flight.

Introduction

Objective

The project aims to design an artificial bird wing, specifically mimicking the Mellisuga Helenae (the world’s smallest bird), and to simulate its aerodynamic and structural performance. The goal is to develop a flapping and folding wing mechanism for use in biomimetic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or ornithopters, which are useful in challenging environments for tasks like disaster relief and wildlife monitoring.

Design Focus

• Wing Motion Types: Flapping, folding, bending, twisting – focus is on Flapping & Folding Motion (FFM).

• Mechanism: Uses a 4-bar linkage to model wing movements.

• Wing Shape: Semi-elliptical for reduced drag and enhanced lift.

• Wing Geometry: Incorporates biologically inspired features (twist, camber) using CAD tools like SolidWorks.

Key Design Parameters

• Aspect Ratio & Span: Designed for maneuverability in tight spaces.

• Wing Loading: Ensures the structure can withstand forces during flight.

• Low-speed Airfoils: Uses profiles like S1223 or Eppler E423 suitable for low-Reynolds-number flight.

Methodology

1. CAD Modeling: Detailed 3D modeling of the wing and structure.

2. Simulation Tools:

   • CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for airflow, lift, and drag analysis.

   • Structural Simulation for stress and deformation checks.

3. Testing & Validation: Prototypes tested in wind tunnels and real conditions to refine the design.

Challenges Addressed

• Lightweight design without sacrificing strength.

• Energy efficiency during flapping.

• Fatigue resistance of materials.

Simulation & Analysis

• Pressure & Velocity Fields: Analyzed around the ornithopter to understand aerodynamic behavior.

• CFD Results: Show regions of high/low velocity and pressure, helping optimize wing design.

Design Output

• Includes dimensioned sketches, 3D models, and isometric views.

• Illustrates structural components like spars, ribs, and mechanical joints.

• Final prototype validated through simulated and physical testing.

Conclusion

With the successful conception, design, and analysis of a lightweight artificial bird with a semi-elliptical wing structure, we have made a significant advancement in the field of biomimetic design and aeronautical engineering and have taken a decisive step toward incorporating nature\'s flight dynamics into contemporary unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This work demonstrates the potential of biomimetic solutions to address a variety of challenges, from disaster management to environmental conservation, by simulating the effectiveness, agility, and adaptability of natural flyers. This study\'s selection and optimization of a semi-elliptical wing design was one of its key achievements; its demonstrated aerodynamic efficiency, which is characterized by fewer wingtip vortices and an even distribution of lift, gave the artificial bird a strong basis for performance, and advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and material optimization ensured that the wing could withstand a variety of aerodynamic forces while maintaining a lightweight and durable structure.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Sivasankar G A, Jayasri P A, Anusindhiya K, Sherbin Sam S, Vinoth M. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.