Bio-inspired, 3D printed feather transducers for in flight aerodynamic force and vibration sensing

Ruowen Tu; Rémy A. Delplanche; Lawren L. Gamble; Daniel J. Inman; Bret W. Tobalske; Henry A. Sodano

doi:10.1117/12.3010908

9 May 2024 Bio-inspired, 3D printed feather transducers for in flight aerodynamic force and vibration sensing

Ruowen Tu, Rémy A. Delplanche, Lawren L. Gamble, Daniel J. Inman, Bret W. Tobalske, Henry A. Sodano

Proceedings Volume 12944, Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication XIV; 1294408 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3010908
Event: SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation, 2024, Long Beach, California, United States

Abstract

Birds are outstanding flyers with high aerodynamic efficiency and agility, especially under dynamic flight conditions. Flight feathers play a key role in achieving these remarkable performances based on their flexible and hierarchical structures. To develop bio-inspired micro air vehicles (MAVs), researchers have adopted rigid feather-shaped panels, membrane-type artificial feathers and natural feathers as part of the morphing wing platform. In this paper, bio-inspired, 3D printed feathers with hierarchical structures resembling natural flight feathers are presented. Moreover, piezoresistive and piezoelectric sensing components are embedded in the 3D printed feather rachis, which can provide sensory information on the aerodynamic forces and feather vibrations. The 3D printed feather transducers are characterized through vibration testing and wind tunnel testing, and are finally integrated into dried, spread wings for aerodynamic force and vibration sensing of the entire wing. Therefore, the 3D printed feather transducers can potentially be used on future MAVs to improve aerodynamic efficiency and allow fly-by-feel sensing.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Ruowen Tu, Rémy A. Delplanche, Lawren L. Gamble, Daniel J. Inman, Bret W. Tobalske, and Henry A. Sodano "Bio-inspired, 3D printed feather transducers for in flight aerodynamic force and vibration sensing", Proc. SPIE 12944, Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication XIV, 1294408 (9 May 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3010908

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