Manufacturing Artificial Wings Based on the Manduca sexta Hawkmoth

Abstract

This work includes the analysis and evaluation of surgically removed wings from Manduca sexta hawkmoth and the fabrication and testing of moth-like wings for the eventual goal of developing a flapping wing micro air vehicle. The natural and manufactured wings are compared in three main characteristics, their distribution of mass, their flexural stiffness, and their camber. Previous results indicate that if these three properties can be mimicked, manufactured wings could produce similar flight properties to the natural wings. Wings are manufactured based on templates created from three different moths. Additionally, three different materials are used for fabricating the membrane, Icarex Ripstop Fabric, Mylar Film, and Kapton Film. Strips of unidirectional carbon fiber are used to mimic the venation structure. Wings manufactured from Icarex and Kapton replicated the mass of the natural wings. However, all manufactured wings are far stiffer than the natural ones. Icarex retains its camber the best.