Pitch-Plunge Apparatus for Wind-Tunnel Testing of Bio-Inspired UAV's

The objective of this effort is to design, build and evaluate an apparatus for wind-tunnel testing in support of a larger effort to study the aerodynamics of biologically-inspired designs for envisioned micro-aerial vehicles This apparatus will support test articles and accommodate instrumentation, and will also prescribe pitch and plunge motions through ranges and at a frequencies to enable a study of the aerodynamic advantages of corrugated wings in comparison with smooth wings The first year of the effort will include design, construction and evaluation of the apparatus, the second year will consist of conducting wind tunnel testing with it m the UK low-turbulence wind tunnel test facility.