Biomimetic Flight and Flow Control: Learning from the Birds

Abstract

In this paper we consider the various methods employed by birds to generate lift and control it. We focus on three particular aspects, namely the method that a bird employs to compensate the transport lags, the method of rapid lift generation employed and growth of lift to a steady value and finally the angle of attack at which a bird flies to generate maximum lift. Based on the study of these methods we establish mathematical control models for compensating the transport lags, and establish a constraint for the aeroelastic tailoring of a wing to maintain a steady angle of attack even when flexible modes of vibration are present. Finally the unsteady aerodynamic modeling of vortex flows for active control applications is discussed.