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Investigating the Aerodynamic Performance of Biomimetic Gliders for Use in Future Transportation

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IRC-SET 2018
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Abstract

This study focuses on the concept of biomimicry, looking to nature’s best flyers and gliders and comparing the flight performances of the structures of eight chosen species. The species were 3D modelled then analysed by the Xfoil method. Generated results were verified by the Computational Fluid Dynamics method (CFD) in ANSYS Fluent. The top-two models in terms of aerodynamic performance were 3D printed and tested in an open return wind tunnel. Javan Cucumber performs the best among the chosen species. This model also outperforms a reputable current commercial model, XT912, in terms of lift. In addition, the successful test of such wing design manufactured through Computer Numerical Control (CNC) on a Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) platform also highlights its flying capability.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Mr. Khoh Rong Lun of Temasek Junior College for his unwavering support and invaluable guidance through this year-long research. We would also like to thank Ms. Koh Poh Lee of Temasek Polytechnic for the use of the wind Tunnel and the lab technicians for their kind support.

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Correspondence to Jiwei Wang .

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Wang, J., Wang, Y. (2019). Investigating the Aerodynamic Performance of Biomimetic Gliders for Use in Future Transportation. In: Guo, H., Ren, H., Bandla, A. (eds) IRC-SET 2018. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9828-6_24

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