Bio-inspired flapping wing design via a multi-objective optimization approach based on variable periodic Voronoi tessellation

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel bio-inspired design methodology for flapping wings in Micro Air Vehicles aiming for achieving optimal physical properties and enhanced aerodynamic performance. The wing’s truss structures are derived through a specialized non-periodic, meso-micro scale porous structure optimization technique, termed the “Variable-Periodic Voronoi Tessellation (VPVT)” method. By incorporating critical physical properties such as compliance, natural frequency, and mass transfer efficiency, the VPVT method transforms the complex design metrics into a standard multi-objective optimization process. This approach produces a biomimetic wing design with high geometric fidelity to insect wings. The optimized VPVT design demonstrates notable physical performance improvements over natural wing samples, resulting in a 19.6% increase in stiffness, a 12.5% rise in natural frequency, and a 5.2% enhancement in mass transfer efficiency. Later, the aerodynamic performance is further evaluated via fluid–structure coupling finite element (FE) simulations. Compared to conventional commercial design, the VPVT wing exhibits optimally-tailored local stiffness, resulting in improved aeroelastic behavior during gliding action. Specifically, the FE simulations demonstrate a 7.3% reduction in drag at low angles of attack and a 9.9% increase in lift at high angles of attack. These results indicate the high energy efficiency and maneuverability of the proposed design approach, which enables the design of micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) with long duration and complex maneuverability.