On the flowfield and forces generated by a rectangular wing undergoing moderate reduced frequency flapping at low Reynolds number

This thesis provides an experimental overview of the flowfield and forces generated by a rectangular wing undergoing moderate reduced frequency flapping at low Reynolds number. These experimental data include laser velocimetry of eight chordwise measurement planes, hot film measurements, and unsteady lift measurements over a variety of freestream speeds and flapping frequencies. The lift data are compared against the results from a series of panel code calculations and highlight the shortcomings of this standard design tool when applied to low Reynolds number cases. Commentary is provided on the ways in which the code may be modified in order to provide higher fidelity results. Throughout the thesis, emphasis is placed on providing useful data and practical insight for the designers of flapping wing Micro Aerial Vehicles.