title: Optimum hovering wing planform.
abstract: Theoretical analysis is used to identify the optimum wing planform of a flapping/revolving wing in hover. This solution is of interest as a benchmark to which hovering wing geometries driven by broader multidisciplinary evolutionary or engineering constraints can be compared. Furthermore, useful insights into the aerodynamic performance of untwisted hovering wings are delivered. It is shown that profile power is minimised by using an untwisted elliptical planform whereas induced power is minimised by a more highly tapered planform similar to that of a hummingbird.
authors.affiliation: School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. Electronic address: mostafa.ahmednabawy@manchester.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Mostafa R A
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Nabawy
authors.affiliation: School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Crowther
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D005426:Flight, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D014921:Wings, Animal / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Aerodynamics; Elliptic wing; Flapping wings; Hummingbird; Insect flight; Revolving wings