Topology optimization in lightweight design of a 3D-printed flapping-wing micro aerial vehicle

Topology optimization is an effective method to obtain a lightweight structure that meets the requirements of structural strength. Whether the optimization results meet the actual needs mainly depends on the accuracy of the material properties and the boundary conditions, especially for a tiny Flapping-wing Micro Aerial Vehicle (FMAV) transmission system manufactured by 3D printing. In this paper, experimental and numerical computation efforts were undertaken to gain a reliable topology optimization method for the bottom of the transmission system. First, the constitutive behavior of the ultraviolet (UV) curable resin used in fabrication was evaluated. Second, a numerical computation model describing further verified via experiments. Topology optimization modeling considering nonlinear factors, e.g. contact, friction and collision, was presented, and the optimization results were verified by both dynamic simulation and experiments. Finally, detailed discussions on different load cases and constraints were presented to clarify their effect on the optimization. Our methods and results presented in this paper may shed light on the lightweight design of a FMAV.     

High energy-density propulsion—reducing the risk to humans in planetary exploration

The potential benefits to humankind of space exploration are tremendous. Space is not only the final frontier but is also the next marketplace. The orbital space above Earth offers tremendous opportunities for both strategic assets and commercial development. The critical obstacle retarding the use of the space around the Earth is the lack of low cost access to orbit. Further out, the next giant leap for mankind will be the human exploration of Mars. Almost certainly within the next 30 years, a human crew will brave the isolation, the radiation, and the lack of gravity to walk on and explore the Red planet. Both of these missions will change the outlook and perspective of every human being on the planet. However, these missions are expensive and extremely difficult. Chemical propulsion has demonstrated an inability to achieve orbit cheaply and is a very high-risk option to accomplish the Mars mission. An alternative solution is to develop a high performance propulsion system. Nuclear propulsion has the potential to be such a system. The question will be whether humanity is willing to take on the challenge.     

显微PIV系统与实现

显微PIV系统可用于流体微观层次以及微流体流动的测量,可获得流体速度的场信息以及其中颗粒的场信息。本文主要介绍显微PIV系统所涉及的显微图像获取技术以及图像处理算法。该系统由硬件与相应软件系统组成。其中,硬件主要包括放大倍数为1000倍的光学显微镜以及最大拍摄速度为10000帧/秒的高速摄像系统;IMPACT软件为自行开发的基于C++系统的面向对象程序,其中内嵌多种数据处理与分析算法。通过对尺寸为1μm颗粒运动的测量,对不同数据处理算法进行了检验,结果表明:建立的显微PIV系统可有效获得微观流体流动的图像并可准确进行数据的处理,该系统完全可用于微观流体流动的测量。     

微型仿生扑翼飞行器的尺度效应分析

微型仿生扑翼飞行器是一种新概念的微型飞行器。但它不是对传统飞行器的简单几何缩小,当其特征尺度缩小到一定尺度时,系统内各种因素的相对影响将产生质的变化。针对微型仿生扑翼飞行器的机械扑翼系统,包括微驱动器、仿生翅、运动系统和动力源等,本文进行了尺度效应分析。分析结果表明,当尺寸减小时,仿生飞行更容易实现:通过共振能实现高频运动,微静电、电磁和压电驱动器都能满足扑翼系统功率需求。这为设计和研制微型仿生扑翼飞行器提供了理论依据。     

深空探测器推进系统

以技术较成效的月球探测器、火星探测器推进系统为重点，介绍了国外深空探测活动的情况。简述了深空探测对推进系统的需求、我国航天器液体推进技术的现状。认为我国的推进技术经一些适应性发展，即可满足深空探测的需求，并且设想了我国近期较为可行的深空探测器推进系统方案。     

国外几种新型微化学推力器

介绍了国外几种以微机电系统 (MEMS)技术为基础的液体和固体微化学推力器。这些新型微化学推力器具有MEMS技术微型化、低成本和批量生产的优点 ,并考虑了体积限制和高度集成等空间限制 ,能产生 10 -6～ 10N·s的推力脉冲 ,可用于微型卫星和纳米卫星的姿态调整、变轨和定向的精确控制。同时阐述了这几种微推力器结构特点和制造工艺 ,并与其他类型的推进器进行了比较     

国外微波等离子推进器研究的新进展

回顾了国外微波等离子推进器（ＭＰＴ）的发展历史，简单介绍其基本工作原理与主要部件的设计、选材，论述理论与实验研究的新进展，给出推力、比冲与实验参数的范围。通过与电弧及电阻加热推进器的比较，得出结论：微波等离子推进器具有寿命长、效率和比冲高的优点，可用于地球同步通讯卫星的南北位置保持等。     

0.1 kW微波等离子体推力器的试验与数值研究

主要对0.1 kW微波等离子体推力器进行了地面试验和数值模拟研究。试验研究分析了影响推力器效率的因素;数值研究通过采用SIMPLE方法求解了N-S方程和采用FDTD方法求解了M axwell方程,分析了影响谐振腔内等离子体参数的因素。结果表明,微波功率、工质种类和质量流率是影响谐振腔效率的主要因素,而等离子体参数则主要受微波功率的影响。     

等熵轻质活塞风洞中主要部件尺寸的确定

等熵轻质活塞风洞是一种工作时间很短的风洞,作为气源适合于瞬时热传导测量技术的研究工作。在研究了此风洞工作特性的基础上,提出了确定风洞中主要部件尺寸的方法,为风洞全面设计提供依据。压力比P0/P和trun是确定管道尺寸的主要参数,匹配压力振荡最大振幅的允许值是确定活塞质量的关键。     

一种用于主动流动控制的气泡型微致动器

 面向先进主动流动控制，在国内率先研发了一种基于微机电系统(MEMS)的气泡型微致动器阵列技术。分析了气泡型微致动器用于主动流动控制的原理，阐述了致动器结构及其加工工艺。通过对气泡样件的压力载荷 变形行为的测试，表明其具有较好的线性和较大承载能力。结合不同翼型的风洞试验表明，微致动器作动可以影响翼型表面的压强分布，从而可用于增升等控制目的。