Work

Fly-by-Feel: Advancements and Applications of Bio-Inspired Wind-Hair Sensors on Fixed-Wing UAVs

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Distributed aerodynamic sensing is a key requirement for future fly-by-feel UAV systems. Inspired by mechanosensory systems found in flying animals, this paper investigates the use of a bio-inspired optically tracked flexible pillar sensor array for aerodynamic sensing and stall detection on a washed-out NACA0012 aerofoil. Experiments were conducted in a low-speed water tunnel, with flow at chord-based Reynolds Re=70×103 and the pillar sensors set to measure local flow conditions. Sensor calibration and dynamic characterisation were performed prior to testing. Time-resolved flow visualisation measurements were used to validate sensor response and investigate local flow phenomena. The results demonstrated that flexible pillar sensors can capture early indications of stall through monitoring of spanwise mean deflection, flow reversal events associated with incipient and fully separated flow, and characteristic low-frequency oscillations. The findings demonstrate the potential of distributed bio-inspired sensor arrays to enhance stall detection and enable real-time aerodynamic monitoring in future fly-by-feel UAV systems.

Source: Biomimetics

DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics11070500

Authors: Omar Selim, Alecsandra Court, Christoph Brücker

Institution: City St George's, University of London

Language: English

Topic: Aerospace and Aviation Technology

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654

Funders: Royal Academy of Engineering, George Daniels Educational Trust