Flapping is commonly observed in biological systems, such as the flight of birds, insects, and bats, where wings undergo rhythmic flapping motions to produce lift and propulsion. In engineering applications, flapping-wing micro air vehicles (MAVs) and flapping-wing robots have been developed for various purposes, including surveillance, inspection, and exploration in confined or challenging environments.
The key advantage of flapping motion lies in its ability to generate lift and thrust at low speeds and without the need for high forward velocity. This makes flapping-wing vehicles suitable for hovering flight, slow maneuvering, and precise control in confined spaces. By mimicking the flapping mechanisms found in nature, engineers aim to achieve efficient and agile flight performance with minimal energy consumption.
Flapping motion involves complex aerodynamic phenomena, such as unsteady boundary layer effects, dynamic stall, and vortex shedding, which can significantly influence the lift and drag characteristics of the flapping object. Understanding and optimizing these aerodynamic interactions through computational modeling, wind tunnel testing, and experimental analysis is essential for designing efficient flapping-wing systems.
In summary, flapping refers to the periodic or oscillatory movement of lifting surfaces, which can generate lift and thrust through unsteady flow mechanisms. It finds applications in biological systems and engineering, particularly in the development of flapping-wing micro air vehicles and robots for low-speed flight and hovering capabilities.