Lab 2 Biomimicry & Gecko Adhesion Bio 160 Spring 2012
Slide 2
Biomimetics and flight the wingtip vortex problem
Slide 3
All wings have built-in inefficiencies
Slide 4
Maybe birds can minimize this cost? Splayed primary feathers =
winglets?
Slide 5
Wing shape changes aerodynamics
Slide 6
Airplanes can be 7-15% more efficient.
Slide 7
But what about birds? Question: Do splayed primary feathers act
to reduce wing-tip vortices and/or enhance lift production?
Slide 8
Whats the Hypothesis? i.e. What do you think? ex. Splayed
primary feathers break up vortices and enhance aerodynamic
performance by reducing tip losses.
Slide 9
Whats your Prediction? i.e. Predicted outcome of an experiment
testing your hypothesis ex. If we fly identical wings in a swept
and splayed configuration, then those wings with splayed feathers
will perform better.
Slide 10
Methods 1. Measure lift & drag on many wings 2. Visualize
the wake of the wing to see if vortices are going through
feathers.
Slide 11
Lab 2 Biomimicry & Gecko Adhesion
Slide 12
Slide 13
StickyBot Video
Slide 14
Today! Develop a product (or three) that uses principles found
in nature. - I dont want to see products inspired by nature. - work
together Check this out:
http://www.biomimicrydesignchallenge.com/gallery/finalistshttp://www.biomimicrydesignchallenge.com/gallery/finalists
Consider developing one product really well. Whats the math behind
your product? Do you have any evidence of the phenomenon occurring
in nature? Is it actually useful? Is it plausible? Due next week:
Tell me about your product. An advertisement is okay, but Id like
to see some concrete facts about your products origins. The more
in-depth you are, the more points youll get. Advertising fluff = no
points. Also, this week! Gecko Tape! - Read the directions! Ill be
there to help. - Groups are KEY we only have so much stuff!