Insect
Flight Test-Bed, IFTB-I is successfully developed using
the 4-i facilities of IIT-Kanpur. A modified version
of 4-link flapping mechanism, is powered by a 1.5 V
DC micromotor.  The
bitting frequency is measured by a piezoelectric bimorph
and could be controlled via microcontroller.The test
bed is the first attempt to develop a suitable platform
for PIV experimentation of micro-aerofoils. The reserach
in this direction is jointly supervised by Dr. Bishakh
Bhattacharya (Smart Structure and Design) and Dr. Debopam
Das (Aerodynamic Modelling and Testing). A team of students
comprising Mr. Pawan Pachouri (FE analysis of coupled
system), Mr. Vijay Gupta (design of modified mechanism)and
Mr. Amitesh (controller interfacing) have
successfully contributed to complete the first test-bed.
Dr. V. Raguram and the 4-i lab were instrumental in
providing important technical supports to the work.
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