A Multi-Segmented Vectoring Nozzle Configuration Inspired by the Mating Wheel of Damselfly.

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomimetics
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Conventional thrust vector control nozzles face limitations due to single-pivot deflection, causing flow separation and shock asymmetry.
• Multi-segmented serial configurations offer a solution by distributing deflection across multiple joints for smoother flow and larger angles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the damselfly's abdominal bending mechanism for inspiration in designing advanced thrust vector control nozzles.
• To develop and evaluate a multi-segmented nozzle inspired by biological systems for improved aerospace propulsion.

Main Methods:

• Morphological characterization and finite element analysis of damselfly (Ischnura elegans) abdominal segments VI and VII.
• Biomechanical modeling of muscular actuation and validation through sensitivity checks.
• Design and evaluation of a multi-segmented nozzle using multibody dynamics and computational fluid dynamics.

Main Results:

• Identified key abdominal segments in damselflies responsible for high-amplitude bending.
• Developed a biologically-inspired multi-segmented nozzle with discrete elastic elements and cable-driven actuation.
• Achieved a continuous 61.20° nozzle deflection within 8 seconds, stabilizing shock structures and suppressing boundary layer separation.

Conclusions:

• Biological bending mechanisms can be effectively translated into thrust vectoring methods for aerospace applications.
• The novel multi-segmented nozzle design demonstrates superior performance compared to conventional systems.
• Findings provide insights for developing next-generation agile aerospace propulsion systems.