Enhancing the aerodynamic performance of a biomimetic wing with topography optimization

Abstract

This paper presents the optimization of the external shape of a model wing obtained from samara (maple seed) by means of biomimicry in order to improve its aerodynamic performance. Samaras, winged seeds of maples, have drawn attention in biomimetic design because of their high lift and low drag properties and autorotation capability. This makes them ideal for winged structures, which can operate in a wide range of wind conditions. This study aims to demonstrate that a samara wing can be modified using mathematical modelling, and different surface geometries can be created by making desired changes in the design parameters. Optimization of the topography of a samara wing model is presented using the results of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The model wing was divided into three regions, and topography optimization was performed in five steps. Intermediate forms and final forms of the model are presented together with the CFD results. The final form of the model provided an aerodynamic performance increase of up to 28% depending on the angle of attack. In addition, as a result of these improvements, the biomimetic wing has simpler design parameters and a more applicable structure. These results suggest that aerodynamic performance can be enhanced by topography study on a biomimetic wing.