Unsteady aerodynamic performance of a tandem flapping–fixed airfoil configuration at low Reynolds number

In nature, insects with their forewings and hindwings undergoing small-gap flapping motion experience strong aerodynamic interaction. Conventional studies mainly focus on the propulsion performance of tandem wings, while interaction between a wing fixed in configuration at low Reynolds numbers ( Re) is unclear. this paper, we numerically studied vortex structure flapping–fixed airfoil configuration. The effects horizontal distance L X ), vertical Y geometric angle attack α) thrust lift are investigated. results show that dominates performance, α control performance. enhancement effective only within small range , determined by changing rate impulse vortices directly connected to airfoils. reaches its peak when approaches plunging amplitude. Compared airfoil, shows larger lift-to-drag ratio, indicating led upstream airfoil. Moreover, increasing simultaneously can lead additional advantages generation. Further analysis changes both manifest variation thereby manipulating This paper provides an database guidance for design micro air vehicles using wings.