Date: 18 October 2018 (Thursday)
Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Venue: 工程五館B1國際會議廳  Engineering Building 5 B1 International Conference Hall

Speaker：
Dr. Lee Yin Jen, Research Fellow, Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore


Topic：
Kinematics of 3D flapping wings


Abstract:

Flapping wing aerodynamics have fascinated researchers for decades, and numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the fundamental aerodynamics, performance optimization, and stability/control of flapping wing platforms. Yet, the performance of existing flapping wing micro air vehicles (FWMAV) are still far from the level required for practical applications. A research project has been undertaken to gain additional insight on how the wing kinematics affect the lift generation and efficiency of flapping wings in hover. The project comprised of semi-empirical modelling, numerical simulations, and experimental measurements. The aerodynamic performance of simplified wing kinematics (typically seen on FWMAVs) has been compared against that of more realistic, insect-like wing kinematics. Results indicate that the modest increase in aerodynamic performance arising from the more complex, realistic insect-like kinematics are likely insufficient to compensate for the cost and weight incurred for the more complex actuation system required. Additionally, an unconventional water treading motion has been investigated as a means of efficient lift generation. Although the water treading motion offers noticeable improvements in lift generation and efficiency over the conventional flapping wing motion in hover, water treading is ineffective for high speed forward flight. In the closing, the speaker offers some personal views on the challenges that remain for FWMAVs and possible future development.

Dr. Lee Yin Jen obtained his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Malaya, Malaysia, in 2012. He completed his PhD degree in the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2017, specializing in flapping wing aerodynamics. He continued as a research fellow at NUS in vortex-induced vibration energy harvesting. Outside of his research interests, he enjoys music, volunteering, introspections on the human condition, and being mistaken for an undergraduate student.