Design and development of UGS flapping wing MAVs

Abstract

This paper describes the design, build and fly University of Glasgow Singapore (UGS) flapping wing MAVs using fabrication method such as laser cutting and Rapid Prototyping. The first prototype was made from acrylic using a laser cutting machine. The material was strong however it was brittle. The wings were made up of carbon rods and kite material Ripstop. First test showed that the wings were too heavy for the mechanism to work. The second and final prototype was a smaller single gear crank design which was fabricated using a 3D printer. Initial test proved that the prototype 2 could withstand the high frequency flapping required for lift. The second test performed was to tether it on a string. At high frequency the prototype 2 was able to move in a circular motion