Effects of multiple vein microjoints on the mechanical behaviour of dragonfly wings: numerical modelling.

ABSTRACT: Dragonfly wings are known as biological composites with high morphological complexity. They mainly consist of a network of rigid veins and flexible membranes, and enable insects to perform various flight manoeuvres. Although several studies have been done on the aerodynamic performance of Odonata wings and the mechanisms involved in their deformations, little is known about the influence of vein joints on the passive deformability of the wings in flight. In this article, we present the first three-dimensional finite-element models of five different vein joint combinations observed in Odonata wings. The results from the analysis of the models subjected to uniform pressures on their dorsal and ventral surfaces indicate the influence of spike-associated vein joints on the dorsoventral asymmet

SUBMITTER: Rajabi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4821260 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature