Computational research of biomimetic flight in unsteady environments with the aid of machine learning

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K13693
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 19010:Fluid engineering-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Institute of Technology (2020); Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (2018-2019)
• Principal Investigator: Kolomenskiy Dmitry 東京工業大学, 学術国際情報センター, 特任准教授 (00813924)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: insect flight / bio-inspired flight / HPC

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This project focused on high-performance computing in combination with data-driven modelling to explore flapping flight. From the standpoint of fluid-structure interaction of flexible elements, a low-order spring-damper model of the wing hinge has been constructed upon micro-CT and in-flight measurements (Kolomenskiy et al. 2019, J Fluids Struct 91:102628) and a mass-spring model of wing deformation has been developed (Truong et al. 2020, Comput Fluids 200:104426) and fitted with static bending data (Truong et al. 2021, Bioinspir Biomim, under review). A reduced-order model has been proposed (Chen et al 2018, Phys Rev Fluids 3:114703) to explain the leading-edge vortices. A data-driven aerodynamic model has been developed for controller design and trimmed state search (Cai et al 2021, J Fluid Mech 915:A114). The aerodynamics of tiny bristled wings has been addressed (Farisenkov et al 2020, Exp Fluids 61:194).

Free Research Field

Fluid dynamics and biomechanics of animal flight

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Quantitative analyses of the aerodynamic and aeroelastic mechanisms of flapping flight have improved our understanding of the morphological diversity of insects. The knowledge and tools developed in this project will serve to construct insect-inspired micro aerial vehicles.