Bat-Inspired Wing Aerodynamics and Optimization

A study was conducted to investigate two key features of bat flight, such as uniquely evolved bat wing platforms adapted to environments and capabilities afforded through variable camber and twist. The investigations were concerned with understanding the way certain aspects of bat flight applied to the engineering problem of wing design for micro air vehicles. Three diverse bat species were selected for the investigations that represented different wing forms and flight functions. The performance of these species was compared, including evaluation of wing morphing utility. The first bat belonged to the the piscivorous Noctilio leporinus species whose high aspect ratio wing allowed efficient flight during commutes to water sources, while having large and rounded wingtips that provided stability and control for prey capture. A lifting-line analysis was used to evaluate the flight characteristics of entire wings of the bats.