98

N. Chari et al.

Fig. 7.5 Mass versus Wingspan in T. javanica

Summary

The moment of inertia and the mutilation studies together help in understanding

the structural design and relative functioning of various components of the flapping

wing of the insect flier in relation to aerodynamic forces. However, mutilation studies

offer a negative approach. Increasing the wing mass by local addition of weight at

the wingtip helps in decreasing the wingbeat frequency of the flier. These studies in

general may contribute to the design of MAV wings. MI helps in determining the

torque needed for a desired angular acceleration about a rotational axis. For a three-

dimensional movement, the matrix should be diagonal and torque around should act

independently as in the case of biological wing movements.