A naukri.com initiative
Brighter Side of News
1w
58
Image Credit: Brighter Side of News
Scientists Use Bird Feathers to Make Planes Safer
- Researchers at Princeton University have designed flexible wing flaps inspired by bird covert feathers to improve small aircraft flight and reduce stall without extra power.
- The covert-inspired flaps were made to flip up in response to changing airflow, improving performance and stability.
- Wind tunnel experiments revealed two aerodynamic mechanisms: pressure dam effect and shear layer interaction.
- Adding more front flaps improved lift by 45% and reduced drag by 30%, enhancing wing stability.
- Tests on a remote-controlled airplane equipped with covert-inspired flaps showed successful stall recovery and control improvements.
- The flaps are lightweight, cost-effective, and rely on airflow, making them ideal for small aircraft like drones.
- The technology could also be applied to underwater vehicles, cars, and wind turbines for improved performance.
- By mimicking bird feathers, engineers gained insight into flight control mechanisms, bridging biology and engineering.
- The study showcases the potential of nature-inspired designs in enhancing aircraft safety, stability, and efficiency.
- Small changes inspired by nature can lead to significant advancements in aircraft technology, as demonstrated by this research.
Read Full Article
3 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app