94

N. Chari et al.

Fig. 7.2 Strip method for calculation of moment of inertia (MI)

−

l =



1

m ⁼

6000 × 10⁻⁶

60 × 10⁻⁴

=

100 × 10⁻² = 1 cm

The effective radius of gyration



l



for the total wing is observed to be 10 mm

i.e. 10 mm

Thus, the effective radius of gyration for the wing is 10 mm or 1 cm from the

fulcrum. A detailed study of the thickness, density and mass distribution across the

wingspan of the insect wing as discussed here will be an added asset, while attempting

the selection of the material design of the MAVs.

Comments on the Moment of Inertia Studies

The moment of inertia studies on the insect wing T. javanica can be summarized as

follows:

1.

The MI graph describes the spanwise distribution of the wing mass and wing

density. It may be observed that the mass decreases gradually as one moves

away from the fulcrum towards the wingtip.