Work

Uncertainty Control Method for Non-Uniform Wear of the Driving Mechanism of Flapping Wing Aircraft

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Flapping wing aircrafts have demonstrated unique advantages in military and civil fields due to their bio-inspired flight mechanisms. However, non-uniform wear in driving mechanisms remains a critical reliability concern during prolonged operation. This study presents a stochastic wear prediction framework that systematically integrates joint clearance dynamics, contact force variations, and material interaction parameters. Through accelerated life testing with flight condition simulations, the method establishes quantitative correlations between multi-source variables and wear progression patterns. Experimental validation confirms the framework’s effectiveness in predicting asymmetric wear distribution, with comparative analysis showing significant improvements in prediction accuracy over conventional single-factor models. The results identify three dominant wear contributors: dynamic clearance fluctuations, impact force randomness, and material compatibility limitations. These findings directly support the development of adaptive lubrication systems and wear-resistant material selection guidelines, offering practical solutions for enhancing flapping wing aircrafts’ reliability in complex operational scenarios.

Source: Drones

DOI: 10.3390/drones9040282

Authors: Yujia Jin, Xingyu Chen, Keke Wang, Deyin Jiang, Jingyi Liu, Huan Pang

Institutions: Chang'an University, Northwestern Polytechnical University

Language: English

Topic: Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province