Resonant Frequency Optimization for Bio-Inspired Flapping Micro-Aerial Vehicles: Effects of Structural Damping

Insect flight exhibits remarkable capabilities, especially at higher flapping frequencies, serving as an inspiration for bioinspired micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs). A key challenge in the development of these systems is to replicate the aerodynamic and structural mechanisms that confer insect flight its agility, maneuverability, and energy efficiency. It is widely recognized that insects mitigate the high energetic costs of flight through sophisticated arrangements of elastic elements and energy storage systems within their thoracic structures.

This study introduces a mathematical model of the insect power transmission system, incorporating the thorax, wings, and associated energy transmission components. The model is utilized to investigate the influence of structural resonance and damping on flapping efficiency and flight maneuverability. In particular, the effects of thoracic damping on resonant frequencies and overall flight dynamics are examined. The results demonstrate that the spatial distribution of elastic and damping properties significantly influences the resonant modes of the system, providing valuable insights for the design of efficient, adaptable flapping-wing systems.

Furthermore, the findings lay the foundation for extending this model to a fully continuous flapping-wing system, advancing the understanding of how elastic properties and resonance phenomena impact power consumption. These insights are critical for the development of next-generation, energy-efficient flapping MAVs, combining biological inspiration with innovative engineering design.