Aerodynamics of Corrugated Wings: Past, Present, and Future

This paper provides a detailed review of the evolution and development of corrugated wings, a biomimetic concept that is very effective under low Reynolds number flights. We will highlight, through reviewing experimental and numerical studies, the emphasis on its aerodynamic performance for lift enhancement, flow separation delay, and drag reduction in the aerodynamics of corrugated wings. Furthermore, we focus on topics such as fluid–structure interaction and aeroacoustics, presenting the possibility of morphing wing technologies in tandem and its effects on an angle of attack at various flight modes. This review outlines durability issues, materials selection, and experimental testing complemented by numerical models while determining the importance of interdisciplinary developments within corrugated wing aerodynamics using potential AI-assisted design. Our review envisions the application of aerodynamics of corrugated wings in the development of UAVs, MAVs, and future advanced aviation systems by integrating the principles from biology to engineering.