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Lab 2 Biomimicry & Gecko Adhesion Bio 160 Spring 2012

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Biomimetics and flight the wingtip vortex problem

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All wings have built-in inefficiencies

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Maybe birds can minimize this cost? Splayed primary feathers = winglets?

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Wing shape changes aerodynamics

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Airplanes can be 7-15% more efficient.

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But what about birds? Question: Do splayed primary feathers act to reduce wing-tip vortices and/or enhance lift production?

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Whats the Hypothesis? i.e. What do you think? ex. Splayed primary feathers break up vortices and enhance aerodynamic performance by reducing tip losses.

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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.

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Methods 1. Measure lift & drag on many wings 2. Visualize the wake of the wing to see if vortices are going through feathers.

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Lab 2 Biomimicry & Gecko Adhesion

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StickyBot Video

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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!