Control of flight forces and moments by flapping wings of model bumblebee

The control of flight forces and moments by flapping wings of a model bumblebee is studied using the method of computational fluid dynamics. Hovering flight is taken as the reference flight： Wing kinematic parameters are varied with respect to their values at hovering flight. Moments about （and forces along） x, y, z axes that pass the center of mass are computed. Changing stroke amplitude （or wingbeat frequency） mainly produces a vertical force. Changing mean stroke angle mainly produces a pitch moment. Changing wing angle of attack, when down- and upstrokes have equal change, mainly produces a vertical force, while when down- and upstrokes have opposite changes, mainly produces a horizontal force and a pitch moment. Changing wing rotation timing, when dorsal and ventral rotations have the same timing, mainly produces a vertical force, while when dorsal and ventral rotations have opposite timings, mainly produces a pitch moment and a horizontal force. Changing rotation duration has very small effect on forces and moments. Anti-symmetrically changing stroke amplitude （or wingbeat frequency） of the contralateral wings mainly produces a roll moment. Anti-symmetrically changing angles of attack of the contralateral wings, when down- and upstrokes have equal change, mainly produces a roll moment, while when down- and upstrokes have opposite changes, mainly produces a yaw moment. Anti-symmetrically changing wing rotation timing of the contralateral wings, when dorsal and ventral rotations have the same timing, mainly produces a roll moment and a side force, while when dorsal and ventral rotations have opposite timings, mainly produces a yaw moment. Vertical force and moments about the three axes can be separately controlled by separate kinematic variables. A very fast rotation can be achieved with moderate changes in wing kinematics.