January 24, 2024
Description
A simple test for ultra lightweight and robust bionic wing design for Micro/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and drones. It's directly printed onto a 0.1mm thick plastic sheet for a wing membrane. This specific venation pattern is that of a Cordulegaster Bidentata Dragonfly.
Background
The process is very similar to this study here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-98242-y
Also, check out the ornithopters of Kazuhiko Kakuta to see the applications of bioinspired wings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9jarwPbmEk&ab_channel=KazuhikoKakuta
Venation Pattern
Dragonflies possess a unique wing structure, with two pairs of long, slender wings that can operate independently. This allows for intricate flight patterns, including hovering, rapid acceleration, and even backward flight. The wings' cross-vein pattern adds to their strength and flexibility, enabling quick adjustments and precise movements.
Design Notes
I tried to keep the weight relations of the veins roughly in accord to the real thing.
I went for a span of 72cm, which is roughly the span of the biggest dragonfly fossil ever found. Weight without membrane is about 13g.
Other Designs
Check out my other bionic designs, you might find a thing you like.
- Bionic Bumblebee Wings for high lift applications
- Bionic Chiton Scale Armor for highly flexible and leightweight protection
- Bionic Hawkmoth Wings for high agility applications
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial
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