Aerodynamic performance of dragonfly-inspired wings in gliding flight for varying angle of attack and Reynolds number: a numerical study

• Published in: PROGRESS IN COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS
• Main Authors: Verekar, Prathmesh; Baloor, Satish Shenoy; Yusoff, Hamid; Magami, Irfan Anjum B.; Kamangar, Sarfaraz; Zuber, Mohammad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: INDERSCIENCE ENTERPRISES LTD 2025
• Subjects: Thermodynamics; Mechanics
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001391566200005

This paper numerically investigates the aerodynamic performance of dragonfly-inspired wings for gliding flight. Dragonfly hind wing morphology (planform and thickness) is considered to create a three-dimensional model. The morphology was obtained from the Aethriamanta brevipennis (Scarlet Marsh Hawk) species of Odonata using a digital micrometer instrument and scanning electron microscope. Gliding flight is known for energy-saving applications. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of the angle of attack (alpha) (0 degrees to 40 degrees) on the glide performance. The Reynolds numbers of 550, 1,400, and 10,000 were used. The flow separation was witnessed beyond 10 degrees of the angle of attack, and the peak value of glide ratio was near 10 degrees angle of attack. This study shows that dragonfly will sustain flight at Reynolds number of 550 and 1,400 by orienting its wing for an angle of attack of 10 degrees. This study has potential to aid in developing an appropriate wing orientation for insect-scale aerial vehicle applications.