A Digital Twin for Insect Wing Aerodynamics
Jinjiang Li, Lee Margetts, Mostafa R. A. Nabawy · 2025
This paper discusses the creation of a digital twin for a microrobotics laboratory at the University of Manchester, developed using Nvidia Omniverse™. The project aims to explore insect wing aerodynamics in flapping flight by integrating insights from experiments and simulations. It details the step-by-step process of constructing the digital twin using engineering tools, a gaming physics engine, and advanced visualization techniques. A proof of concept demonstrates a virtual wing’s flapping motion, driven by an analytical expression programmed in software. The digital twin facilitates experimental design, allowing for the testing of various parameters and wing configurations prior to real-world laboratory experiments. Additionally, it can visualize experimental data and compare it with simulation results within a unified environment. Ultimately, the digital twin aims to advance the understanding of flapping wing flight, aiding engineers in developing machines that utilize this mode of locomotion.