INsecte ARtificiel volanT – IN-ART

IN-ART is a fundamental research project having the aim of designing, fabrication and characterising a prototype artificial flying micro-insect on the centimetre scale. Here, flight requires wing beating and thus requires actuation which we intend to achieve using polymer-based microactuators. The IN-ART project naturally follows on from the previous 'Jeunes chercheuses et jeunes chercheurs' project entitled "Objet Volant Mimant l'Insecte" (OVMI). Indeed, the launch of this research theme in 2005 at IEMN has made it possible to identify certain scientific issues: the wing's passive torsion which is essential for simplified actuation and also the validation of a possible actuation using a resonant thorax. However, we encountered difficulties concerning the choice of the actuator. Hence, our efforts here are focused on two new materials: - the polymer PDMS, well-known in the microsystems field, is currently used only as a structural material. By adding flexible electrodes (which will enable free movement) and by working with smaller thicknesses (a few micrometers), the polymer can be rendered active by the application of electrostatic forces generated by the application of a voltage. - Secondly, IPN-CP invented by the LPPI, is an electro-active polymer using ionic transfer. As this material has never been integrated into microsystems, we propose to explore this in the IN-ART project. A precise evaluation of the scientific and technological issues and risks has been made for these two materials; a number of mechanical and electrical tests are planed in order to identify and compare the respective performances of these electro-active polymers. The specifications of our prototype match with the anticipated performances of the materials to be studied. To obtain flapping flight similar to that of insects, it is necessary to have a large deformation (deflection angle of the wings ±30°), a flapping frequency ranging from 40 to 200Hz, an average lift force of the order of mN; the polymers studied during the IN-ART project should meet these criteria. We intend to develop a highly original prototype microsystem in collaboration with ONERA. By using biomimetic data, by integrating new generation micro-actuators, by recreating an insect's wing kinematics, by evaluating aerodynamic effects, we will collect the interdisciplinary elements to create the essential steps necessary for the fabrication of an OVMI. Insect flapping flight is a scientific field currently rather sparse in the literature, in particular in terms of aerodynamics. Together with ONERA's expertise, the grouping of technical expertise and the collaboration of researchers implies the inevitable generation of knowledge and international interest. The ENSIAME students participation on periods of training, well inserted in the project and supervised by the IN-ART researchers, will come to strengthened this dimension of the project. The partners LPPI, ONERA, ENSIAME and IEMN have now worked together for several years, the interaction is already excellent and absolutely essential for this type of multidisciplinary project. The fact that the partners are totally complimentary in a multidisciplinary sense is highlighted throughout the proposal and essential for the success of the project.