Abstract
It is known that conventional aerodynamic theories do not work for micro air vehicles (MAVs); and the low-Reynolds number aerodynamics in particular relating to flight mechanisms of insects and birds has been an active and interdisciplinary area. We have developed two types of four-winged prototype ornithopters. One has the "X-wings" similar to the Delfly (upper left wing and lower right are connected, so are lower left and upper right), whereas the other has the "Double L-wings" (upper and lower ipsilateral wing flap together while maintaining a right angle). The X-wings 'clap and fling' at both sides of the body; the Double L-wings clap and fling above the body. In this study we show experimental results on the aerodynamic performances of the two vehicles and further discuss how the transmission mechanism affects the force generation.
