Direct Search Optimization of a Flapping Micro Air Vehicle Wing using FEA Characterization of the Manduca Sexta Forewing

摘要

This research addresses the optimization of an engineered flapping micro air vehicle wing. The engineered wing was developed using a finite element model of a Manduca Sexta forewing. A full factorial design was used to determine a representative model of the natural system. From this baseline wing, a constrained response surface was coupled with a Latin hypercube of the design space. Results from this provide an initial vector for a mesh adaptive direct search algorithm. Further investigation of the design space was carried out using a blind search approach. Initial results demonstrate significant reduction in mass, while maintaining features which are representative of the biological wing. A test article based on the optimized design will be fabricated and tested.