Development of a biologically inspired multi-modal wing model for aerial-aquatic robotic vehicles

This paper presents a numerical model of a morphing wing supporting the development of a biologically inspired vehicle capable of aerial and aquatic of locomotion. The model draws inspiration from the seabird Uria aalge, the common guillemot. It is implemented within a parametric study associated with aerial and aquatic performance, specifically aiming at minimizing energy of locomotion. The implications of varying wing geometry and kinematic parameters are investigated and presented in the form of nested performance charts. Trends within both the aquatic and aerial model are discussed highlighting the implications of parameter variation on the power requirements associated with both mediums. Conflicts of geometric parameter selection are contrasted between the aerial and aquatic model, as well as other trends that impact the design of concept vehicles with this capability. The model has been validated by implementing a heuristic optimization of its key parameters under conditions akin to those of the actual bird; optimal parameters output by the model correlate to the actual behaviour of the guillemot.