This project simulates, analyzes, and visualizes the structural behavior of a flapping-wing UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) wing equipped with solar panels along its surface.
It uses a dynamic Euler-Bernoulli beam model, discretized via the 1D Finite Element Method (FEM), and integrates real-time solar irradiance calculation during the flapping motion.
simulate_beam()– Performs the time-domain simulation of beam deflection, rotation, and irradiance capture.animate_beam()– Animates the flapping deformation with Hermitian interpolation and node tracking.animate_irradiance()– Animates and compares irradiance distributions across multiple configurations.- Automatic CSV/PNG/MP4 generation for all key outputs.
- Python 3.8+
- Required Libraries:
numpymatplotlibpandas
Optional:
Pilloworffmpeg(for enhanced animation rendering)
Upon running the main script:
✅ Performs transient simulation using Newmark-beta integration
✅ Visualizes beam deflection (with Hermite interpolation) and irradiance over time
✅ Saves high-resolution .mp4 animations and .png snapshots
✅ Exports full simulation data to .csv for post-processing
| Output | Description |
|---|---|
beam_animation.mp4 |
Beam flapping with real node motion and interpolation |
irradiance_animation.mp4 |
Time-evolving irradiance distribution (comparative) |
energy_per_panel.png |
Energy harvested by each panel |
irradiance_final_step.png |
Irradiance snapshot at final time step |
nodal_displacements.csv |
Displacement time-history of each node |
irradiance.csv |
Irradiance time-history per element |
power.csv |
Instantaneous power received by each panel |
- Quantify the effect of beam flexibility and motion on energy harvesting.
- Evaluate parametric changes (amplitude, area, frequency) and their outcomes.
- Enable visual analysis of physical and energetic behavior of flapping wings.
- Implement spatially varying EI(x) profiles
- Include aerodynamic forces and damping
- Add solar incidence angle modeling and sun tracking
- Use optimization or ML for performance tuning
You can easily adjust:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
amplitude |
Vertical motion at the driven node |
E, I_default |
Beam stiffness |
freq, amp_alt |
Frequency and amplitude of flapping |
A, A_alt |
Area of each solar panel |
T, dt |
Simulation time and time step |
These are defined in the Global Parameters section of the script.
- The model is modular and expandable.
- All simulations are fully offline and deterministic.
- Graphics are publication-quality, saved in high-resolution.
- Built for clarity, analysis, and educational exploration.