Research on the Flight Performance of Biomimetic Moth Based on Flapping Function Control

Flapping flight is an important mode of insect flight, and its unique flapping motion pattern enables it to fly efficiently in complex environments. This paper takes a biomimetic moth flapping-wing aircraft as the research object and proposes a periodic function composed of two sine functions with different frequencies as the flapping function. This paper explores the effect of this flapping function on the flight performance of flapping-wing aircraft and verifies whether it can be applied to the flight control of flapping-wing aircraft. Firstly, through the study of biomimetic mechanisms, the basic structure of the flapping-wing aircraft is roughly designed; then, the flapping motion is simplified, a rigid wing flapping motion model is established, and the key parameters affecting the average lift are determined. Next, a virtual wind tunnel simulation platform is built, and the key parameters of the flapping function that affect lift generation are simulated and calculated. Finally, an experimental prototype of a biomimetic moth flapping-wing aircraft is designed and manufactured. Through flight experiments, the effects of flapping amplitude, flapping frequency, and mid-position angle in the flapping function on the flight performance of the biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft are verified. The key control parameters are clarified, the control strategy of the flapping-wing aircraft is optimized, and the maneuverability and controllability of the aircraft are improved, providing a theoretical basis and practical support for the development of control methods for biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft.