Ornithopter

Aim
An ornithopter (from Greek ornithos "bird" and pteron "wing") is an
aircraft that flies by flapping its wings. Designers seek to imitate the
flapping-wing flight of birds, bats, and insects.

Abstract
The ornithopter is a mechanically designed robot that uses a flapping wing
mechanism to achieve flight. These designs are inspired by natural aviators
such as birds and insects known for their ease of flight and maneuverability in
the open sky. However, achieving this feat has presented a challenge due to
the complexity of understanding its working dynamics. They autonomously
vary the flapping rate and adjust the orientation of their tail to sustain steady
flight in the atmosphere. Many experiments were conducted to develop the
precise mechanism, to help thoroughly understand the dynamics of its
machinery, and solving the enigma of its sustained flight in the air. The main
objective of the project is to mimic the fluttering actions of a natural bird and
understand its flight patterns. Recreating a sizeable model capable of
manifesting the same functions as a bird but with other additional features
such as surveillance, image capturing. These improvements have wide
applications in the military field, research field, and general public applications.
This model can be controlled over a long distance using a remote control.
Hence, the altitude and the model speed can be controlled by the same. The
interest rate on this subject has increased in developing ornithopter based on
different aviators. Different methodologies were initiated to comprehend how
to maintain long-range coverage, use of solar energy to recharge its power
source and to sustain longduration flight and working time.

PROBLEM DEFINITION AND METHODOLOGY

The basic methodology used in this model is a flapping wing mechanism. They
hold the key features required for flight ofthe prototype. Although it is seen to
be impossible to achieve the exact moment of wing actions through
mechanical behavior of a model certain aspects can be mimicked to insurance
working. Moreover, even when the shape of wings add on to their behavior in
air. For example,the shape of a swallow wings are different from that of a
pelican. Swallows are quick to cover short distance and sharp turns but
pelicans can last longer, this is due to the wingspan. So selection of the wing
shape is crucial pertaining to the type of application required for themodel.
The selection of material also has a huge effect in working of the prototype.
Many factors should be added to generate the most precise type of materials
used

OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF WINGS

The general principle of wings called for the increase in pressure below the ring
then on top of the wing in an aero plane. But in the flapping of birds the upper
stroke is slower than the downward stroke to ensure its flight. During this
downward stroke the pressure is more in the mid part of the wing and the
outwards when compared to the part closer to the body. As the main focus of
the pressure should be in the middle they are shaped point towards the end.
However, most of the pressure acts atthe middle part ofthewing.This
inturnhelps thebirdtoexertthepressurerequiredenough to lift them off the
ground
COMPONENTS USED
1.)Body
The body is made from a carbon fiber frame where the electronic components
are attached. The slots are cut out based on the dimension of each
components and predetermined locations. These Efficient slots are already cut
help keep the electronic components fixed in place. Thecarbon frame is used
as it is lightweight and has high durability in the presence of slightly strong
wind
2.) Gear Mechanism
The gear mechanism was determined based on the number of teeth required
on the gear. This was calculated based on the required flapping rate per
second that is 5 up and down strokes per second to maintain flight. An external
battery is connected to the gear mechanism as the power source.
Furthermore, the flapping rate can increase or decrease based on the flight
needs of the ornithopter.

3.) Wings
The material used for wink are carbon fiber rods and Teflon sheets. They have
the durability as well as lightweight features. The carbon fiber rods are placed
in crisscrossmanner and are stitched not the fabric. The exoskeleton of the
wings are almost shaped like the exoskeleton of bat wings. This pattern
provides much more flexibility in maintaining the pressure distribution
throughout the wing.
CALCULATIONS
The calculations are based on the data acquired from the components used
Dc motor – 3700 kV or 4200 kV
Battery – 7.4 V or 11.1 V
1) The speed of the model can be determined by the data obtained
Speed = 3700 × 7.4
= 444 Rps.
Speed = 4200 × 11.1
= 777 Rps.
2) Gear teeth ratio of the gear mechanism is required to find out the
flapping rate for the motor,
W.K.T n1 = 444 Rps. n2 =?
Using the formula,
n1 r 2 d2
= = Using the gear teeth of 72, 8, 9 and 84.
n2 r 1 d1

444 / n2 = 84 / 9
n2 = 47.57 Rps.
Therefore,
47.57 = n2 / n3 = 72/8
n3 = 5.285 Rps.
Hence, the number of flaps are found to be 5.285 flaps per second.
3) For the battery used in mAh, it depends on the model, If the average
current drawn is 15 A for 10 minutes, then
c = I × t.
15 × 10 / 60 = 2500 mAh
4) For current rate ‘C’,
If peak current drawn is 30 A from 3000 mAh
C = 30 A / 3000 mAh; =10C
CONCLUSION
The ornithopter is one of the most promising models which has infinite
capabilities from surveillance to crop protection. Furthermore, many numbers
of attachments can be added as a result of increasing the functional abilities of
the ornithopter. The camera can be installed to capture images of the
surveillance object or area. Sonar transmitters capable of producing ultrasonic
waves can be used to determine the difference between obstacles and
prototypes. And ultrasonicwaves of much low frequency can be generated to
scare away birds from field and runways in the airport. The use of a solar
power battery enables the prototype to recharge during daylight and use the
same energy has an efficient power source. And if surveillance is required
during night time, this solar power cell can be utilized to produce power to the
model. The use of solar batteries is much more efficient and eco-friendly.
Though many surveillance drones are already present in the daily market, they
are perceptible and expensive. An ornithopter is a winged mechanical flying
robot mimicking the actions and mechanism of a natural flier. It includes
design and materials used for its fabrication, how they function, and the nature
of its mechanism. These categorize under the Micro Ariel Vehicle (MAV)
section, which mainly focuses on miniaturizing other sizeable models and use
them for practical applications in different fields. Many experiments have been
conducted on this topic to implement these natural mechanisms into an
artificially created mechanical model that exhibits the functionality of the
opted specimen. Due to a lack of information on the subject, it has been
difficult in achieving the required results from the models. Even though the
model can achieve flight, the autonomous flight controls of the model are
incipient. This may be due to its autonomous nonlinearity in their flight pattern
or their body movement concerning the wind direction.