Flight control simulations of a butterfly-like flapping wing-body model by the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method

Flapping flight of insects and bio-inspired micro air vehicles requires not only the generation of aerodynamic forces for supporting the weight against gravity and for driving forward, but also the flight control for maintaining the balance while flying. In this study, we investigate the flight control of a butterfly-like flapping wing-body model numerically by using the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method. First, we simulate the control of a pitching motion by moving a weight along the body. It is found that the pitching angle can be controlled by determining the position of the weight with a P control scheme. Second, we simulate the control of a rolling motion from a large initial disturbance on the rolling angle by moving a weight perpendicular to the body. It is found that the rolling angle can be controlled by determining the position of the weight with a PI control scheme. Finally, we simulate the control of a pitching motion by interrupting the wing motion shortly at the top and/or the bottom dead centers of the wing motion. It is found that the pitching angle is controlled by determining the interval of the interruption with a PID control scheme. In addition, it is found that the present control works well even for a large disturbance.