Related papers: On the Shape Optimization of Flapping Wings and th…
The optimal design seeks the best possible solution(s) for a mechanical structure, device, or system, satisfying a series of requirements and leading to the best performance. In this work, optimized nozzle shapes have been designed for a…
Potential flow theory remains a cornerstone of unsteady aerodynamics due to its computational efficiency in modeling complex flow phenomena. This study presents a significant advancement by integrating a viscous unsteady theory with…
Natural fliers like bats exploit the complex fluid-structure interaction between their flexible membrane wings and the air with great ease. Yet, replicating and scaling the balance between the structural and fluid-dynamical parameters of…
This paper introduces the powerline unmanned surfer (PLUS) concept to extend the limited endurance of fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) via in-flight energy harvesting from overhead electrical distribution power lines, and develops…
Shape control is critical to ensure the quality of composite fuselage assembly. In current practice, the structures are adjusted to the design shape in terms of the $\ell_2$ loss for further assembly without considering the existing…
This paper investigates the effects of geometric nonlinearity and structural flexibility on the flight dynamics of high-aspect-ratio wings representative of high-altitude long endurance aircraft configurations. A coupled aeroelastic flight…
We experimentally study the aeroelastic instability boundaries and three-dimensional vortex dynamics of pitching swept wings, with the sweep angle ranging from 0 to 25 degrees. The structural dynamics of the wings are simulated using a…
In this paper, a novel mechanism-driven reinforcement learning framework is proposed for airfoil shape optimization. To validate the framework, a reward function is designed and analyzed, from which the equivalence between the maximizing…
In systems control, the dynamics of a system are governed by modulating its inputs to achieve a desired outcome. For example, to control the thrust of a quad-copter propeller the controller modulates its rotation rate, relying on a…
Modeling has been created for a Space-to-Surface system defined for an optimal trajectory for targeting in terminal phase. The modeling includes models for simulation atmosphere, speed of sound, aerodynamic flight and navigation by an…
The effects of sweep angle and reduced frequency on the leading-edge vortex (LEV) structure over flapping swept wings in the Reynolds number ($Re$) range of $\mathbf{O}(10^4)$ are yet to be completely understood. With increasing interest in…
A low-order method is presented for aerodynamic prediction of wings operating at near-stall and post-stall flight conditions. The method is intended for use in design, modeling, and simulation. In this method, the flow separation due to…
The influence of the bending rigidity of a flexible heaving wing on its propulsive performance in a two-dimensional imposed parallel flow is investigated in the inviscid limit. Potential flow theory is used to describe the flow over the…
Complex optimal design and control processes often require repeated evaluations of expensive objective functions and consist of large design spaces. Data-driven surrogates such as neural networks and Gaussian processes provide an attractive…
This study presents a real-time guidance strategy for an unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be used to enhance their flight endurance by utilizing {\sl insitu} measurements of wind speeds and wind gradients. In these strategies,…
The vertical trajectory optimization for the en route descent phase is studied in the presence of both along track and cross winds, which are both modeled as functions of altitude. The flight range covers some portion of a cruise segment…
The large active wing deformation is a significant way to generate high aerodynamic forces required in bat flapping flight. Besides the twisting, the elementary morphing models of a bat wing are proposed, such as wing-bending in the…
This paper presents a novel algorithm to plan energy-efficient trajectories for autonomous ornithopters. In general, trajectory optimization is quite a relevant problem for practical applications with \emph{Unmanned Aerial Vehicles} (UAVs).…
Hovering insects are limited by their physiology and need to rotate their wings at the end of each back and forth motion to keep the wing's leading edge ahead of its trailing edge. The wing rotation at the end of each half-stroke pushes the…
The secret to the spectacular flight capabilities of flapping insects lies in their wings, which are often approximated as flat, rigid plates. Real wings are however delicate structures, composed of veins and membranes, and can undergo…