Two Experimental Methods to Test the Aerodynamic Performance of HITHawk

摘要

This paper introduces two experimental platforms for testing the aerodynamic forces of our HITHawk. These two platforms are frequently used during the iterative designing and testing process of our prototypes. The first one is a fixed six-dimensional load cell platform, which is used to measure the aerodynamic performance of HITHawk when flapping in the absence of relative airflow. The other one is then a rotary stand, which is equipped with force and speed transducers, to measure the aerodynamic performance of HITHawk when flapping with relative airflow. The functions and purposes of the two platforms are not the same and they are not perfect indeed, but the combination of the two can comprehensively evaluate the quality of each flapping wing aerial vehicle (FAV) prototype, mainly about the designing of wing structures and flapping parameters. The testing results would be utilized to provide guidance for the design of the new models of our FAV prototype and the design of the corresponding controlling system. After the design and fabrication of the test platforms, we tested the performance of a HITHawk prototype we designed, and the test results can meet the requirements, which proves the feasibility of the two solutions.