Lab 2 – Biomimicry & Gecko Adhesion

Bio 160Spring 2012

Biomimetics and flight – the wingtip vortex problem

All wings have built-in inefficiencies

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

Wing shape changes aerodynamics

Airplanes can be 7-15% more efficient.

But what about birds?

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

What’s the Hypothesis? – i.e. What do you think?

ex. Splayed primary feathers break up vortices and enhance aerodynamic performance by reducing tip losses.

What’s 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.

Methods1. Measure lift & drag on many wings

2. Visualize the wake of the wing to see if vortices are going through feathers.

Lab 2 – Biomimicry & Gecko Adhesion

StickyBot Video

Today!Develop a product (or three) that uses principles found in nature.

- I don’t want to see products “inspired” by nature.- work together

Check this out: http://www.biomimicrydesignchallenge.com/gallery/finalists

Consider developing one product really well. What’s 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 I’d like to see some concrete facts about your product’s origins. The more in-depth you are, the more points you’ll get. Advertising “fluff” = no points.

Also, this week! Gecko Tape!- Read the directions! I’ll be there to help.- Groups are KEY – we only have so much stuff!