The flight dynamics of a full-scale ornithopter

This thesis investigates the non-linear flight dynamics of a full-scale flapping-wing aircraft (ornithopter). Using simplifying assumptions, the equations of motion were developed for a 2-wing-panel and 3-wing-panel model. A computer program was written to examine the longitudinal and lateral stability of the ornithopter. The program was first tested using inputs for a model ornithopter known as "Mr. Bill" and then using the inputs for a full-scale ornithopter. The results indicate that both "Mr. Bill" and the full-scale ornithopter are longitudinally and laterally stable. The accelerations and displacements are much less for the 3-panel model than for the 2-panel case because the 3-panel design serves to balance the time-varying forces seen by the fuselage.