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Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetic Design, Constructions and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 16139

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jian Deng

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Department of Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Interests: biomimetic hydrodynamics; fluid mechanics for flying and swimming; collective locomotion; hydrodynamic stability; computational fluid dynamics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic organisms, insects, and avian species employ a distinct kinetic mechanism for locomotion that is characterized by oscillatory motions involving fins or wings, as opposed to conventional rotational propellers. This unconventional approach yields highly efficient propulsion and maneuvering capabilities. Notably, species such as tuna, dolphins, and sharks showcase exemplary hydrodynamic performance, characterized by elevated cruising speeds, superior efficiency, and minimal noise generation, which are achieved via the flapping motion of their caudal fins. Additionally, these oscillatory motions present opportunities for harnessing energy from incoming vortices or unsteady flows. Both applications necessitate a nuanced understanding of intricate physical mechanisms, encompassing fluid–structure interactions, leading-edge flow separation, and stall delay. In recent years, there has been a discernible increase in research focused on unraveling the dynamics of flapping foils, evident in the escalating volume of publications dedicated to this subject.

This Special Issue aims to encapsulate novel conceptual designs for biomimetic propulsion or power generation via the employment of flapping foils. Furthermore, it aims to encompass fundamental investigations that shed light on the underlying physics of flapping foil hydrodynamics. Researchers and engineers involved in the study of diverse fluid mechanics and biomimetic design domains are cordially invited to contribute their cutting-edge research to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Jian Deng
Guest Editor

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Keywords

flapping foil
biomimetic propulsion
power generation
fluid–structure interaction

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 8980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Swept-Blade Wind Turbine Under Turbulent Inflow Conditions

by Junwei Yang, Chenglong Sha, Xiangjun Wang and Hua Yang

Biomimetics 2026, 11(5), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11050293 - 22 Apr 2026

Viewed by 887

Abstract

Avian wings enable autonomous control over flight trajectory and speed, and their swept-wing geometry inspires the application of sweep modifications to horizontal-axis wind turbine blades, an approach that is critical for improving aerodynamic performance. Hence, wind tunnel experiments were performed to evaluate the output power and wake features of a baseline straight-bladed and a swept-blade wind turbine. The experimental results demonstrate that inflow turbulence intensity (T.I.) affects the peak power coefficient of the swept-bladed turbine, with power coefficient gains being more significant when the tip speed ratio is greater than 3.0 and under yawed conditions. At a yaw angle of 20°, when the T.I. is 0.5%, 10.5%, and 19.0%, respectively, the corresponding increased values are 13.17%, 3.44%, and 4.68%. Cross-stream velocity in the near-wake region of the swept-bladed turbine is markedly higher than that for the baseline condition. The averaged T.I. in the wake velocity region of the swept-blade conditions is greater than that of the baseline condition at most measurement positions. Moreover, power spectral density (PSD) magnitudes behind the blade tip for the swept-blade configuration are higher than those of the baseline, particularly in the medium- and high-frequency domains. This work clarifies the aerodynamic characteristics of swept-blade wind turbines to varying levels of turbulent inflow. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 3108 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrodynamic Study of Flow-Channel and Wall-Effect Characteristics in an Oscillating Hydrofoil Biomimetic Pumping Device

by Ertian Hua, Yang Lin, Sihan Li and Xiaopeng Wu

Biomimetics 2026, 11(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11010080 - 19 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 695

Abstract

To clarify how flow-channel configuration and wall spacing govern the hydrodynamic performance of an oscillating-hydrofoil biomimetic pumping device, this study conducted a systematic numerical investigation under confined-flow conditions. Using a finite-volume solver with an overset-grid technique, we compared pumping performance across three channel configurations and a range of channel–wall distances. The results showed that bidirectional-channel confinement suppresses wake deflection and irregular vorticity evolution, enabling symmetric and periodic vortex organization and thereby improving pumping efficiency by approximately 33.6% relative to the single-channel case and by 62.7% relative to the no-channel condition. Wall spacing exhibited a distinctly non-monotonic influence on performance, revealing two high-performance regimes: under extreme confinement (gap ratio

h / c =

1.4), the device attains peak pumping and thrust efficiencies of 19.9% and 30.7%, respectively, associated with a strongly guided jet-like transport mode; and under moderate spacing (

h / c =

2.2–2.6), both efficiencies remain high due to an improved balance between directional momentum transport and reduced vortex-evolution losses. These findings identify key confinement-driven mechanisms and provide practical guidance for optimizing flow-channel design in ultralow-head oscillating-hydrofoil pumping applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 26314 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Wing Kinematics on Aerodynamics Performance for a Pigeon-Inspired Flapping Wing

by Tao Wu, Kai Wang, Qiang Jia and Jie Ding

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050328 - 17 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2214

Abstract

The wing kinematics of birds plays a significant role in their excellent unsteady aerodynamic performance. However, most studies investigate the influence of different kinematic parameters of flapping wings on their aerodynamic performance based on simple harmonic motions, which neglect the aerodynamic effects of the real flapping motion. The purpose of this article was to study the effects of wing kinematics on aerodynamic performance for a pigeon-inspired flapping wing. In this article, the dynamic geometric shape of a flapping wing was reconstructed based on data of the pigeon wing profile. The 3D wingbeat kinematics of a flying pigeon was extracted from the motion trajectories of the wingtip and the wrist during cruise flight. Then, we used a hybrid RANS/LES method to study the effects of wing kinematics on the aerodynamic performance and flow patterns of the pigeon-inspired flapping wing. First, we investigated the effects of dynamic spanwise twisting on the lift and thrust performance of the flapping wing. Numerical results show that the twisting motion weakens the leading-edge vortex (LEV) on the upper surface of the wing during the downstroke by reducing the effective angle of attack, thereby significantly reducing the time-averaged lift and power consumption. Then, we further studied the effects of the 3D sweeping motion on the aerodynamic performance of the flapping wing. Backward sweeping reduces the wing area and weakens the LEV on the lower surface of the wing, which increases the lift and reduces the aerodynamic power consumption significantly during the upstroke, leading to a high lift efficiency. These conclusions are significant for improving the aerodynamic performance of bionic flapping-wing micro air vehicles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition)

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32 pages, 25500 KB

Open AccessArticle

Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Tandem Flapping Wing in Inclined Stroke Plane Hovering with Ground Effect

by Arun Raj Shanmugam, Chang Hyun Sohn and Ki Sun Park

Biomimetics 2025, 10(4), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10040212 - 30 Mar 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1919

Abstract

The present two-dimensional study investigates the ground effect on the aerodynamic characteristics of a tandem flapping wing in inclined stroke plane hovering using ANSYS Fluent. The role of various wing kinematics parameters (flapping frequency f, stroke amplitude A_o/c, and phase difference ψ = 0° and 180°), in combination with ground distance (D* = D/c), is studied. The results reveal that a large stroke amplitude A_o/c decreases vertical force generation for both in-phase and counter-stroking patterns. The vertical force notably increases for both in-phase and counter-stroking wings when D* is extremely small (D* = 0.5). A maximum vertical force enhancement of approximately 65% and 35% is observed for in-phase and counter-stroking patterns, respectively, at D* = 0.5. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the strengthening of detached vortices on the lower surface of the wings during the middle of the downstroke when flapping at extremely small ground distances. In addition, the wing–wing interaction and secondary rebound vortex, caused by wing–ground interaction, also play a key role in vertical force generation. The wing–ground interaction positively influences both vertical and thrust force generation for in-phase and counter-stroking wings at small ground distances. In general, the vertical and thrust forces generated by in-phase stroking wings are greater than those produced by counter-stroking wings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 6776 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Aerodynamic Analysis of a Flapping Mechanism for Foldable Biomimetic Aircraft

by Shuai Yan, Yongjun Zhou, Shuxia Jiang, Hao Xue and Pengcheng Guo

Biomimetics 2025, 10(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10010061 - 16 Jan 2025

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4834

Abstract

This study investigates the unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms underlying the efficient flight of birds and proposes a biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft design utilizing a double-crank double-rocker mechanism. Building upon a detailed analysis of avian flight dynamics, a two-stage foldable flapping mechanism was developed, integrating an optimized double-crank double-rocker structure with a secondary linkage system. This design enables synchronized wing flapping and spanwise folding, significantly enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and dynamic performance. The system’s planar symmetric layout and high-ratio reduction gear configuration ensure movement synchronicity and stability while reducing mechanical wear and energy consumption. Through precise modeling, the motion trajectories of the inner and outer wing segments were derived, providing a robust mathematical foundation for motion control and optimization. Computational simulations based on trajectory equations successfully demonstrated the characteristic figure-eight wingtip motion. Using 3D simulations and CFD analysis, key parameters—including initial angle of attack, aspect ratio, flapping frequency, and flapping speed—were optimized. The results indicate that optimal aerodynamic performance is achieved at an initial angle of attack of 9°, an aspect ratio of 5.1, and a flapping frequency and speed of 4–5 Hz and 4–5 m/s, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft in applications such as UAVs and military technology, providing a solid theoretical foundation for future advancements in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 16084 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Structural Design and Kinematic Modeling of Highly Biomimetic Flapping-Wing Aircraft with Perching Functionality

by Wenyang Pu, Qiang Shen, Yuhang Yang, Yiming Lu and Yaojie Yan

Biomimetics 2024, 9(12), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9120736 - 3 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3054

Abstract

Birds use their claws to perch on branches, which helps them to recover energy and observe their surroundings; however, most biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft can only fly, not perch. This study was conducted on the basis of bionic principles to replicate birds’ claw and wing movements in order to design a highly biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft capable of perching. First, a posture conversion module with a multi-motor hemispherical gear structure allows the aircraft to flap, twist, swing, and transition between its folded and unfolded states. The perching module, based on helical motion, converts the motor’s rotational movement into axial movement to extend and retract the claws, enabling the aircraft to perch. The head and tail motion module has a dual motor that enables the aircraft’s head and tail to move as flexibly as a bird’s. Kinematic models of the main functional modules are established and verified for accuracy. Functional experiments on the prototype show that it can perform all perching actions, demonstrating multi-modal motion capabilities and providing a foundation upon which to develop dynamics models and control methods for highly biomimetic flapping-wing aircraft with perching functionality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition)

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Review

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30 pages, 3807 KB

Open AccessReview

Flapping Foil-Based Propulsion and Power Generation: A Comprehensive Review

by Prabal Kandel, Jiadong Wang and Jian Deng

Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020086 - 25 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1337

Abstract

This review synthesizes the state of the art in flapping foil technology and bridges the distinct engineering domains of bio-inspired propulsion and power generation via flow energy harvesting. This review is motivated by the observation that propulsion and power-generation studies are frequently presented separately, even though they share common unsteady vortex dynamics. Accordingly, we adopt a unified unsteady-aerodynamic perspective to relate propulsion and energy-extraction regimes within a common framework and to clarify their operational duality. Within this unified framework, the feathering parameter provides a theoretical delimiter between momentum transfer and kinetic energy extraction. A critical analysis of experimental foundations demonstrates that while passive structural flexibility enhances propulsive thrust via favorable wake interactions, synchronization mismatches between deformation and peak hydrodynamic loading constrain its benefits in power generation. This review extends the analysis to complex and non-homogeneous environments and identifies that density stratification fundamentally alters the hydrodynamic performance. Specifically, resonant interactions with the natural Brunt–Väisälä frequency of the fluid shift the optimal kinematic regimes. The present study also surveys computational methodologies and highlights a paradigm shift from traditional parametric sweeps to high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) Large-Eddy Simulations (LESs) and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) to resolve finite-span vortex interconnectivities. Finally, this review outlines the critical pathways for future research. To bridge the gap between computational idealization and physical reality, the findings suggest that future systems prioritize tunable stiffness mechanisms, multi-phase environmental modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital twin frameworks for real-time adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation: 2nd Edition)

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