Service-Oriented Multidisciplinary Optimization of a Closed Loop Flapping Wing Subjected to Wind Gusts

The optimization of a controlled flapping wing micro aerial vehicle for energy-efficient flight in gust using a general, service-oriented framework is investigated. Kinematic (wing-stroke pattern), geometric (wing shape), frequency, and control (state penalty) design variables are considered in a sequence of optimization problems. The service-oriented framework is applied to the integration of a flapping vehicle physics-based model, a linear quadratic regulator control system, a continuous gust model, a gradient based optimizer utilizing the method of moving asymptotes, and a graphical user interface to facilitate design studies. Constraints are applied to the path displacement of the vehicle and the peak control power exerted to maintain a fixed position during hover. Five optimization studies utilizing varying design parameters and gust disturbances are presented. In the optimization studies, the tradeoff between prescribing periodic kinematic motion and governing the kinematic motion with close loop control is evaluated.