Fluid-structure interaction of bat-inspired membrane wings

Bat flight involves some of the most complex wing kinematics in nature. These kinematics enable the aerial agility needed to navigate through tight spaces and complex environments. The bat wing is formed from a membrane reinforced by elastic and inelastic elements and deforms under muscular, inertial, and aerodynamic loads, which has substantial implications for the development of aerodynamic forces during the flapping cycle. In this work, we study the aerodynamics of these flexible wings by using a fluid-structure interaction method, with kinematics based on experimental measurements. To fully understand the lift generating mechanism of these complex flapping wings, it is imperative to understand the role of vortices, viscous effects, and kinematics of bat wings. This is accomplished using the force partitioning method (FPM) which allows us to decompose the total lift into the previously defined mechanisms.