Research Progress and Development Trends of Multi-mode Flapping-wing Drive Mechanisms

doi:10.3901/JME.260149

Abstract

Abstract: Flapping-wing aircraft exhibit unique high-lift characteristics, high propulsion efficiency, and exceptional agility, with their overall flight performance critically dependent on the design and functionality of their flapping-wing drive mechanisms. As these aircraft, renowned for their numerous advantages, gain prominence, there is a growing demand for enhanced performance. Researchers worldwide have intensified theoretical investigations and innovative designs of flapping-wing drive mechanisms. A comprehensive analysis is carried out from the perspectives of rotary-driven linkage mechanisms and smart material-driven mechanisms, addressing the current developmental and applicational status of multi-mode hybrid motion in flapping-wing drive mechanisms. Their respective applications in flapping-wing aircraft are systematically examined, their operational characteristics are comparatively summarized, and future directions are projected, including the realization of multi-degree-of-freedom mechanisms, advancements in miniaturization and lightweight architectures, and the progressive diversification of structural configurations facilitated by the exploration and integration of high-performance materials. Through a comprehensive summary and analysis of current flapping-wing drive mechanisms, valuable references are provided for the future design of such mechanisms and the advancement of flapping-wing aircraft.

Key words: flapping-wing drive mechanism, multi-mode, linkage-based, rotary drive, smart materials

CLC Number:

V276

Lü Haoming, ZHANG Zhonghai, LI Duanling. Research Progress and Development Trends of Multi-mode Flapping-wing Drive Mechanisms[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2026, 62(7): 169-184.

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