Wings of a feather stick together: Morphing wings with barbule-inspired latching

Aimy Wissa, Amy Kyungwon Han, Mark R. Cutkosky

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Birds’ feathers are equipped with hook-like structures called friction barbules, which prevent separation and rubbing between feathers under nominal flow conditions. This paper presents a segmented wing prototype that uses controllable dry adhesives to mimic the function of friction barbules. The adhesives latch wing segments together during moderate flight conditions and allow them to separate in extreme conditions. We present the characteristics of adhesive patches and their performance as they are incorporated into a flexible wing prototype. The attachment force is a function of the applied shear stress. We then present results of a wind tunnel test to evaluate the aerodynamic effect of gaps formed as wing segments unlatch and separate. The separation of wing segments delays stall and reduces overall drag, which could improve the ability of an unmanned air vehicle to fly in gusty conditions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBiomimetic and Biohybrid Systems - 4th International Conference, Living Machines 2015, Proceedings
EditorsPaul F.M.J. Verschure, Stuart P. Wilson, Tony J. Prescott, Anna Mura
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages123-134
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9783319229782
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event4th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems, Living Machines 2015 - Barcelona, Spain
Duration: Jul 28 2015Jul 31 2015

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume9222
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference4th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems, Living Machines 2015
Country/TerritorySpain
CityBarcelona
Period7/28/157/31/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • General Computer Science

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