A review: Learning from the flight of beetles
Zelai Song1, Jin Tong2, Wilhelm Pfleging3
1Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, PR China; Institute for Applied Materials - Applied Materials Physics (IAM-AWP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, 76344, Germany.
Computers in Biology and Medicine
|April 25, 2021
Summary
Beetle hind wings offer bioinspiration for miniaturized micro-air vehicles (MAVs). Their complex folding mechanisms and vein structures enhance flight performance, guiding MAV design.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Robotics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Coleoptera utilize deployable hind wings for low Reynolds number flight, enabling lightweight designs.
- Hind wing folding/unfolding mechanisms are crucial for flight and bioinspired micro-air vehicles (MAVs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review beetle flight mechanisms and bioinspired MAVs with deployable wings.
- To identify key factors influencing beetle flight and MAV design.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Coleoptera flight and bioinspired MAVs.
- Analysis of hind wing structures, materials, and flight actions.
Main Results:
- Elytron protection, resilin elasticity, and vein structures (hollow, solid, wrinkled) impact flight.
- Hemolymph hydraulics, vein properties, and nanomechanics influence wing deformation and performance.
- Beetle flight includes flapping, hovering, gliding, and landing.
Conclusions:
- Understanding beetle flight mechanics can lead to more effective and miniaturized bioinspired MAVs.
- Future MAV designs should incorporate novel deployable wing structures, materials, and energy systems.
