Nanoindentation analysis comparing dragonfly-inspired biomimetic micro-aerial vehicle (BMAV) wings

Abstract

Biomimetic micro-aerial vehicle (BMAV) are micro-scaled, unmanned aircraft based on flying biological organisms, generating thrust and lift by flapping their wings. This study investigates and compares the nano mechanical mechanical properties of four sets of fabricated, dragonfly inspired BMAV wings and compares them to actual dragonfly wings used as a baseline reference. The BMAV wings were fabricated using a 3D printer, based on these simplified models. Different 3D printer filament materials were used for each of the four wing sets: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (or ABS), polylactic acid (or PLA), high impact polystyrene (or HIPS) as well as Ultrat. Nanoindentation tests of the actual dragonfly wings and the BMAV wings were conducted to measure their hardness and Young's modulus. The test result demonstrates the feasibility solution in the development of strong, practical and low cost BMAV wings, this work is a stepping-stone on the path to flying robotic dragonfly.