Research on modelling accuracy and test validation for biomimetic flapping-wing drone

Scientific advances in drone design have enabled a wide range of services, underpinned by different drones that have various aerodynamic performance. However, research to date is mostly limited focusing on conventional drones. Unconventional drones such as biomimetic drones attracted much attention due to their advantages, including precise point accessibility, altitude manoeuvrability, and no topography restriction for landing. To model the flight dynamics for biomimetic drones, the modelling accuracy is the key indicator to be determined; thus, it requires further analysis. After reviewing previous research, this paper develops a more accurate model by using appropriate methods for error mitigation. To reflect the flapping pattern of biomimetic drones, this model adopts an advanced numerical method (i.e., a quasi-steady model) to calculate their aerodynamics. The aerodynamics is also affected by the wind (acting on the drone), determined via wind-generated lift and drag terms. Therefore, this paper develops a combined aerodynamic and wind model applicable to biomimetic drones including flapping-wing drones with the following contributions. Comparative analysis discovers that the difference of drones is unsteady flows; thus, a rigorous physical model is built for flow modelling, and its novelty is a quasi-steady method to realistically quantify drone aerodynamics and wind influence. This model is demonstrated by a valid case study of the most stringent application in relation to the motion of a novel flapping-wing drone. The motion simulation of such drone is performed, and then a three-dimensional engineering prototype is built for flight test validation. This case study is implemented and the modelling performance in terms of accuracy is quantified, validating that the new model increases modelling accuracy based on research to date.