Camera-based deformation measurement of an insect-like micro air vehicle flapping wing

Wing kinematics and wing deformation have a strong effect on the lift production and aerodynamic efficiency of bio-inspired flapping wing aerial vehicles. The goal of this study is to automatically track and classify wing kinematics components and wing deformation components of an insect-like flapping wing. Insight into wing motion and deformation characteristics may allow for improved performance of flapping wing drones. This work uses a stereoscopic high-speed camera setup and feature detection algorithm to measure the kinematics and deformation components of an insect-like flapping wing system with passive wing inclination. The wing membrane is painted with a black and white speckle pattern. Tracking and tracing of features on the wing surface is used to recover rigid wing kinematics and deformation of the entire wing surface throughout the wing stroke. Measurement results correspond with the characteristics of natural and artificial flapping wing systems in literature. The wing performs a figure-of-eight motion. The wing exhibits large deformations that vary throughout its stroke, related to both aerodynamic forces and inertial effects. Stroke velocity appears to influence angle of attack as well as spanwise bending, camber and twist.