Design of variable trailing edge wing structure imitating lobster structure

Purpose This paper aims to improve the flight performance of the aircraft during flight, according to the characteristics of bionics, a variable trailing edge wing imitating lobster abdominal limbs is designed, and the three-dimensional modeling of the designed wing is carried out. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of the variable trailing edge on the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing, based on the NACA2413 wing as the basic airfoil, the aerodynamic characteristics of the basic wing and the lobster-like variable trailing edge wing at different angles of attack were analyzed. Findings The results show that the aerodynamic characteristics of the 0°–5° time-varying trailing edge wing are better than the basic wing. Wind tunnel experiments were carried out on the designed wing, and the experimental results were consistent with the simulation results. Originality/value According to the characteristics of bionics, a variable trailing edge wing imitating the ventral arthropod of lobster was designed, and the curvature of the trailing edge of the wing was changed by the action of pneumatic muscle drive by gluing flexible materials and rigid materials. The small angle of attack improves the aerodynamic performance of the wing, which can reduce fuel consumption when the aircraft is sailing, and shorten the running distance during landing and takeoff.