Feasibility studies for a bionic propulsion system of a blimp

based on Dielectric Elastomers

1. During our previous reviews we had seen how Di Elastic Elastomers were integrated for a cross
tail for flight control. In this work the authors have brought the two main goals of the bionic EAP-
driven airship project are the following:

a. The Technology of Electro Active Polymers (EAP) and particularly the planar Dielectric
Elastomers (DE) should be explored experimentally and shown practically in an indoor-flight
model of a bionic airship.

b. The team tried show successfully that EAP-technology can be integrated in a small
airship.

2. Based on the goals the technical specifications were set by the team
a) Form and motion, such that it is recognized as a fish-like object, e. g. at least a tail-fin stroke
b) The bionic propulsion system should be driven by EAPs
c) Buoyancy, radio controlled indoor free-flight up to 1000m ASL
d) Steady-state cruising speed of at least 1 m/s
e) Radio controlled steering with conventional systems (Control surfaces with rudders)
f) Maintenance-free operation during at least 6 hours
g) Flight duration of at least 20 minutes
The following optional specification criteria were also defined:
a) Acceleration and deceleration controlled by the tail-fin stroke.
b) Radio controlled steering by an asymmetric tail-fin-stroke.
3. We have already discussed how dynamic similarity was used to prove the conditions in air can be
similar to water and how the efficiency of a fish is better when compared to the conventional
propulsion system consisting of moving parts.
4. Various fishes are considered and based on our technical requirement it is understood that
rainbow trout matches our requirement. Also The fish-like motion has been simulated with a
NACA0012-profil with the help of the CFX software.
5. The developments of the following subsystems have recently been completed and will be
summarized here:

a. An active envelope. In fig schematic of the bionic blimp is shown. The body has
different areas, which can contract (see arrows). A couple of two areas, one on each side,
form a bending body segment.

b. A tail-fin for undulatoric propulsion in air. that an

elastic tail fin of such a 6 meter long airship is similar to a
tail of a trout in water,

6. Experimental verification with functional models

Two functional models of a blimp, one with a conventional and one with a bionic propulsion system
were realized.
This type of a conventionally propelled blimp had a cross tail with active hinges . During the course
of experiment it was found that 2 problems existed which need to be addressed and they are
a. The electrical reliability was a problem in some flight demonstrations
b. the model had not yet a satisfactory agility and therefore the maneuverability was
limited.
7. The research team carried out suitable alterations to the design and modifications from the
previous design were carried out : First, the control surfaces were significantly reduced.
Secondly, the rudders were modified with balance areas, which reduced the driving moment.
Third, for the elevator asymmetrically multilayer active hinges (3 layers on top and 1 layer on
the lower side) were installed.
8. The second functional model (bionic, or “B”-Versions) was developed in order to verifying the
practical feasibility of the undulatoric propulsion concept in air and the bionic airship allowed to
exploring scientifically the bionic propulsion system in flight tests. This model was equipped with a
flexible fish-like tail-fin instead of the cross-tail.
9. The effect of shape, size and stiffness on the speed of the blimp at various Strouhal-
Numbers could be attained. All of these design parameters have a significant effect on the
cruising speed. The speed is increasing with increasing frequencies (and increasing amplitude) as
well as with increasing stiffness of the tail-fin.
10. It is also concluded that in bionic blimp, that the total area and the aspect ratio have a
significant influence on the speed. Other scientists had also concluded from fish observations,
that fish do control their speed by varying their body motion pattern. In the design of the bionic
blimp the resulting motion pattern is crucial for an optimal speed. Therefore the stiffness of the fin
plays an important role in the design of a bionic blimp.