This paper describes the development of a bio-mimetic
flapping wing and the aerodynamic characteristics of a flexible
flapping wing. First, the flapping wing is designed to produce
flapping, twisting and camber motions by using the bio-mimetic
design approach. The structural model for macro-fiber composite
(MFC) actuator is established, and the structural analyses of the
smart flapping wing with the actuator are performed to determine
the wing configuration for the maximum camber motion. The
analysis model is verified with the experimental data of the smart
flapping wing. Second, the aerodynamic tests are performed
the smart flapping wing in a subsonic wind tunnel, and the
aerodynamic forces are measured for various test conditions.
Additionally, the effects of camber and chordwise wing flexibility
on unsteady and quasi-steady aerodynamic characteristics are
discussed. The experimental results demonstrate that the effect of
the camber generated by the MFC produces sufficient
aerodynamic benefit, the chordwise wing flexibility is one of the
important parameters affecting to the aerodynamic performance,
and the lift produced in quasi-steady flow condition is mostly
affected by the forward speed and effective angle of attack.