Tip Segments Research Articles

Blade Airfoil Optimization and Its Impact on Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Performance

Abstract Amidst the emergence of crises in petroleum prices and supply, the imperative for the development of clean energy has become increasingly apparent. Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), as a type of wind turbine, still grapple with challenges such as low wind energy utilization and sensitivity to dynamic wind speeds. This study focuses on optimizing the airfoil of a two-dimensional vertical axis wind turbine and analyzes the performance variations in a three-dimensional model. Following the optimization, the average power coefficients of the dual-blade two-dimensional VAWT increased by 7.9% and 4%, respectively, while those of the dual-blade three-dimensional model rose by 7.9% and 1.2%. However, the performance of the three-dimensional model was compromised due to the influence of tip vortices, resulting in inferior performance compared to the two-dimensional model. Both three-dimensional optimized blade designs exhibited a substantial reduction in the flow separation region downstream and improved pressure distribution fluctuations caused by the shedding of tip vortices, leading to decreased pressure differentials. Along the spanwise section, the power coefficient gradually decreased from the central segment to the tip segment. Notably, the power coefficient of the optimized blades at the tip segment increased significantly, accompanied by an augmented pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces. This augmentation contributed to a significant enhancement in lift, thereby facilitating the rotation of the vertical axis wind turbine.

Analysis of the Sand Erosion Effect and Wear Mechanism of Wind Turbine Blade Coating

The wind–sand climate prevalent in the central and western regions of Inner Mongolia results in significant damage to wind turbine blade coatings due to sand erosion. This not only leads to a decline in power generation but also poses safety risks. This study replicated the wind–sand environment of Alashan and numerically simulated the erosion and wear process of the blade coatings of a 1.5 MW horizontal axis wind turbine under rotational conditions using the DPM model. Additionally, erosion tests were conducted on the operating wind rotor in a wind tunnel. The simulation results demonstrate that sand particle trajectories in the rotating domain are influenced by vortex, incoming wind speed, and sand particle size. For small-sized sand particles, variations in wind speed do not substantially alter the number of particles in contact with the wind turbine blades. However, alterations in the momentum of these particles lead to changes in the impact force on the coating surface. Conversely, the change of wind speed will not only alter the number of large-size sand particles in contact with the wind rotor but also modify the impact force on the coating surface. Furthermore, after impacting the blade, small sand particles continue to move along an approximate helical trajectory with the airflow, while large-size sand particles swiftly rebound. Through statistical analysis of erosion pits on the blade surface after the erosion experiments, it was observed that, in comparison among the leading edge, windward side, trailing edge, and leeward side, the leading edge presents the greatest number of erosion pits, whereas the leeward side has the fewest. Along the spanwise direction, the 0.7R-blade tip segment exhibits the highest count, while the blade root-0.3R section displays the fewest number of pits. The wear morphology of the blade coating was observed from the blade root to tip. The leading edge coating exhibits a range from shallow pits to coating flaking and deeper gouge pits. On the windward side, the coating displays wear patterns varying from tiny cutting pits to cutting marks, and then to gouge pits and coating flaking. Erosion morphology of the trailing edge evolves from only minor scratches to spalling pits, further deepening and enlarging. These research findings provide a basis for the study of zoning-adapted coating materials for wind turbine blades in wind–sand environments.

A multiple catheter tips tracking method in X-ray fluoroscopy images by a new lightweight segmentation network and Bayesian filtering.

During percutaneous coronary intervention, the guiding catheter plays an important role. Tracking the catheter tip placed at the coronary ostium in the X-ray fluoroscopy sequence can obtain image displacement information caused by the heart beating, which can help dynamic coronary roadmap overlap on X-ray fluoroscopy images. Due to a low exposure dose, the X-ray fluoroscopy is noisy and low contrast, which causes some difficulties in tracking. In this paper, we developed a new catheter tip tracking framework. First, a lightweight efficient catheter tip segmentation network is proposed and boosted by a self-distillation training mechanism. Then, the Bayesian filtering post-processing method is used to consider the sequence information to refine the single image segmentation results. By separating the segmentation results into several groups based on connectivity, our framework can track multiple catheter tips. The proposed tracking framework is validated on a clinical X-ray sequence dataset.

An Autonomous Surgical Instrument Tracking Framework With a Binocular Camera for a Robotic Flexible Laparoscope

In minimally invasive surgery (MIS), the field of view (FOV) plays a vital role. To enhance the stability of FOV and lighten the burden on surgeons, robot-assisted laparoscope systems have been developed and introduced into surgery. However, most of the existing automatic surgical tool tracking schemes with robotic laparoscopes either do not consider tracking of the depth direction or the remote center of motion (RCM) constraints. To tackle these problems, this paper presents an autonomous three-dimensional surgical instrument tracking framework for a robotic laparoscope based on a binocular camera. A 3-degree-of-freedom visual tracking scheme is derived from the kinematics of the binocular robotic laparoscope. A programmable RCM constraint is introduced due to the MIS requirement. To precisely locate the surgical instruments in FOV, a surgical instrument tip segmentation dataset with 5471 images is built and a modified real-time instance segmentation network is trained based on the dataset. Then, a semi-global matching (SGM) algorithm is utilized with the binocular camera to estimate the depth in FOV. To meet the joint limit constraint and maintain the dexterity of the robotic system, a task-priority-based control method is adopted. The simulation and experiment results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed framework for instrument tracking with the robotic laparoscope.

In Vitro Shoot Regeneration From Nodal and Shoot Tip Explants of a Threatened Medicinal Plant - Smilax Zeylanica L.

An efficient protocol for in vitro clonal propagation of Smilax zeylanica was developed using nodal and shoot tip segments from field grown plants. Nodal explants performed better than shoot tip explants when two distinct explants were tested for shoot proliferation. The best results for shoot proliferation were achieved with MS medium supplemented with BAP and Kn alone or in combination with NAA and IBA at various concentrations. On MS medium containing 4.0 μM BAP, the greatest number of shoots were produced. In vitro proliferating shoots were transplanted to full strength MS medium fortified with IBA and NAA separately at varying concentrations (1.0 - 6.0 μM) in order to induce adventitious roots. The medium containing 2.0 μM IBA showed the best rooting reactions. Plantlets having well developed root system were transferred to soil and successfully acclimatized with 80% survival rate under ex vitro condition. J. Bio-Sci. 30(1): 69-78, 2022 (June)

IN VITRO SELECTION BASAL MEDIUM USED FOR SEEDS GERMINATION, CALLOGENESIS INDUCTION OF LOCAL VARIETIES OF VICIA FABA L

One of the most significant winter crops consumed by humans in the Middle East is the faba bean (Vicia faba L.). As many other vetches and field crops. The ability of this plant to withstand such a biotic stress may be improved with the help of tissue culture. This investigation was carried out to create and selection basal medium used for seeds germination, callogenesis induction in three Faba bean varieties, Baraqat, Iraqi and Halabi, extensively grown for personal consumption in Iran, Iraq, and Syria respectively. First seeds were sterilized and planted on a growth-regulatory-free MS basal medium. Germination rates ranked between 24.6 to 63% because of the lethal effect of phenolic compounds. Five types of explants excised on the in vitro obtained seedlings were used for callus initiation: stems, shoot tips, leaves, epicotyls, and parts of the roots. They were put on MS basal medium that had been increased by BAP at a dosage of 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/l.. Depending on the genotypes, explants, and medium, callogenesis rates ranged from 33.33 to 100%. In terms of callogenesis rate and callus weight, shoot tip segments grown on media with BAP at 1 and 1.5 mg/l generated the highest outcomes of all three kinds. Even though it wasn't the goal of this study, the creation of somatic embryos was conceivably achievable (33%) throughout this study and happened just 2 months after calluses started, suggesting the embryogenic ability of such calluses for the 3 kinds examined.

Effects of Bionic Pectoral Fin Rays’ Spanwise Flexibility on Forwarding Propulsion Performance

Oscillating pectoral fins’ spanwise flexibility is a key factor influencing the forwarding propulsion performance of bionic cownose rays, including thrust and heave-pitch stability. This study explores the effects of the bionic pectoral fin ray’s spanwise flexibility on its propulsion performance via experiments. Inspired by the cownose ray, a pair of bionic pectoral fins with fin rays and fabric skin was designed, and two motors drive the controllable flapping motion. The bionic pectoral fins’ flexibility can be quantified by using fin rays’ bending stiffness. The experiments were carried out in a water tank to measure the thrust, the lift force, and the pitch moment of the bionic cownose ray. The fin rays are divided into plastic sheets of five thicknesses and three fin rays with more obvious stiffness variations. The movement parameters included the following: the flapping frequency of 0.3–0.7 Hz, the flapping amplitude of 20–40°, and the phase difference of 20–40°. The experimental results show that the stiffness of the bionic pectoral fin rays plays an important role in the thrust, lift force, and pitch moment. The fin rays with high stiffness root segment and low stiffness tip segment have lower lift and pitch moment while maintaining a high thrust. This shows that the pectoral fins’ flexible characteristics of the cownose ray are of great significance to the design of the bionic prototype.

Congenital hypoplasia and aplasia of different segments of medial crus: A case report

Congenital anomalies of lower lateral cartilages are very rare. Difficulties to detect before the operation may cause problems during the surgery. In this paper, we presented a unique deformity with the combination of aplastic and hypoplastic segments of lower lateral cartilage. A 21-year-old female patient who underwent rhinoplasty were enrolled in this study. Airway impairment, prominent nasal hump, droopy nasal tip and nostril asymmetries were observed in physical examination. Partial aplasia and hypoplasia on the right-sided lobular segment and hypoplasia on the left-sided lobular segment of the middle crus were detected. Hypoplasia of the columellar segment and footplate segment of the medial crus was observed on both sides. Also, intercrural soft tissue volume was low. Defective medial crus was reconstructed with the septal cartilage graft. Although a rare occurrence, awareness of congenital lower cartilage anomalies is important for surgical planning and reconstruction of deformities. Cartilage tissue reflection to the skin surface and examination of each tip segment is crucial to detect anomalies preoperatively. 4 (Therapeutic).

Propagation of Coccinia cordifolia (L.) Cogn. from shoot tip and nodal segment through micropropagation techniques

The present work was undertaken to develop a reproducible protocol for the micropropagation of an important medicinal plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, Coccinia cordifolia (L.) Cogn., by using shoot tips and nodal segments to overcome the impediment in seed settings and seed germination of conventional reproduction. To develop an efficient protocol, 0.1% HgCl2 treatment for 6 minutes was found effective for surface sterilization of field-grown explants to eliminate microbes and fungus and to get healthy tissues. Throughout the study, different concentrations of auxin, cytokine, and gibberellin were used either alone or in combination as supplemented in MS medium to find suitable conditions and suitable explant (nodal segment). BAP was the best cytokine source as 2.0 mg/l BAP produced 4.0±0.20 and 4.8±0.09 shoots per culture and gained 5.8±0.11 cm and 6.7±0.32 cm length with regeneration rate of 90 and 100 percent in shoot tips and node, respectively. The highest percentage (90%) of regeneration for axillary shoot proliferation was obtained in node explants at MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.1 mg/l NAA. The highest number of shoots regenerated per culture was 3.0±0.41, with a length of 6.0±0.16 cm. GA3 was also found effective in producing longer shoots with the combination of BAP, but the average shoot number was reduced drastically. Although full-strength MS medium was found to be ideal for shoot regeneration and used in shoots proliferated experiments, half and full-strength of MS medium with auxins supplements of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/l either of IBA, NAA, and IAA) were used for roots growth and half strength nutrients supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IBA was found most compelling. The highest number of roots regenerated per shoot was 3.1±0.30, and the average root length was 1.8±0.30 cm. Rooted plantlets were finally transplanted into small plastic pots containing sun sterilized sand, soil and humus (1: 2: 1) to adapt the plantlet in ex vitro environment, and acclimatized plantlets showed 95% survival rate in outdoor condition which proved the effectiveness of using biotechnology to improve plant’s growth rate and mass production.

Design and analysis of front spar wing-tip segment for a small transport aircraft

Structural safety is an important aspect of the design of airframes. The spar is one of the critical structural elements of the airframe. The wing is subjected to bending due to shear loads caused by aerodynamic pressure, it undergoes compression and tension. This paper deals with the design of a segment of the front spar spanning from wing mid-section to the tip end on strength of materials approach. The load on the spar segment will be considered from a global wing stress analysis. Typical elliptical load distribution on the transport aircraft is considered. The wing is a statically indeterminate structure, the cross-section of a typical wing section is assumed and the maximum bending moment load case I s considered for wing stress analysis. The spar tip segment will be designed so it does not suffer any permanent deformation under the design limit load. Global finite element stress analysis will be carried out to check the validation of the design. Usually, a thumb rule assumption is made that spar takes a definite percentage of load but in this paper, the load acting on the spar is just not a mere assumption but a different approach called the ‘W/I method’. The spar tip segment is designed based on the load magnitude and distribution using the strength of materials approach.

Standardization of in vitro micropropagation procedure of Oriental Lilium Hybrid Cv. 'Ravenna'.

Micropropagation protocol of Oriental Hybrid Lilium cv. Ravenna was developed using bulb scale segments (Basal and Tip) as explants. Surface sterilization of healthy bulb scales with carbendazim 200 ppm for 30 min, then 0.1 percent mercuric chloride for 10 min, then 70% ethyl alcohol for 30 s was superior to all other treatments in recording highest culture asepsis (77.08%) and higher explant survival (86.12%). Explant survival was higher in basal segments (88.54%) compared to tip segments (85.52%). Highest culture establishment was recorded in basal scale segments (68.26%) followed by tip scale segments (55.21%). MS medium augmented with 0.50 mgl−1 Naphthalene acetic acid and 2.0 mgl−1. 6-Benzylamino Purine recorded maximum culture establishment (76.17%), highest bulblet number/explant (5.52) with maximum length of shoots (2.20 cm) and number of leaves (3.39). This treatment combination of growth regulators resulted in highest shoot proliferation (83.33%) along with maximum shoot number (2.41explant−1), shoot length (2.35 cm) and leaf number (5.44) of micro shoots during proliferation stage. Rooting of explants was superior with Indole-3-butyric acid compared to Naphthalene acetic acid. Highest rooting of 92.71% along with maximum number of primary roots shoot−1 (12.06), maximum primary root length (3.17 cm) was documented in Murashige and Skoog medium added with Indole-3-butyric acid 1.50 mgl−1 with best ex vitro survival rate (98.96%) of rooted plantlets during primary hardening in perlite + vermiculite (1:1) mixture.

Accuracy of joint line restoration based on three-dimensional registration of the contralateral tibial tuberosity and the fibular tip

PurposeTo assess a novel method of three-dimensional (3D) joint line (JL) restoration based on the contralateral tibia and fibula.Methods3D triangular surface models were generated from computed tomographic data of 96 paired lower legs (48 cadavers) without signs of pathology. Three segments of the tibia and fibula, excluding the tibia plateau, were defined (tibia, fibula, tibial tuberosity (TT) and fibular tip). A surface registration algorithm was used to superimpose the mirrored contralateral model onto the original model. JL approximation and absolute mean errors for each segment registration were measured and its relationship to gender, height, weight and tibia and fibula length side-to-side differences analyzed. Fibular tip to JL distance was measured and analyzed.ResultsMean JL approximation did not yield significant differences among the three segments. Mean absolute JL error was highest for the tibia 1.4 ± 1.4 mm (range: 0 to 6.0 mm) and decreased for the fibula 0.8 ± 1.0 mm (range: 0 to 3.7 mm) and for TT and fibular tip segment 0.7 ± 0.6 (range: 0 to 2.4 mm) (p = 0.03). Mean absolute JL error of the TT and fibular tip segment was independent of gender, height, weight and tibia and fibula length side-to-side differences. Mean fibular tip to JL distance was 11.9 ± 3.4 mm (range: 3.4 to 22.1 mm) with a mean absolute side-to-side difference of 1.6 ± 1.1 mm (range: 0 to 5.3 mm).Conclusion3D registration of the contralateral tibia and fibula reliably approximated the original JL. The registration of, TT and fibular tip, as robust anatomical landmarks, improved the accuracy of JL restoration independent of tibia and fibula length side-to-side differences.Level of evidenceIV

Fine Structure and Olfactory Reception of the Labial Palps of Spodoptera frugiperda

The olfactory system of insects is essential in many crucial behaviors, such as host seeking, mate recognition, and locating oviposition sites. Lepidopteran moths possess two main olfactory organs, including antennae and labial palps. Compared to antennae, the labial palps are relatively specific and worthy of further investigation due to the labial-palp pit organ (LPO), which contains a large number of sensilla located on the tip segment. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a worldwide lepidopteran pest, which can damage more than 350 plants and cause significant economic losses. In this study, we surveyed the structure of the labial palps and LPO of S. frugiperda using a super-high magnification lens zoom 3D microscope. Then, the distribution and fine structure of sensilla located in the LPO of S. frugiperda were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, the electrophysiological responses of labial palps to CO2 and 29 plant volatiles were recorded by using electrolabialpalpography. Our results showed the fine structure of labial palps, the LPO, and the sensilla located in the LPO of S. frugiperda. Moreover, we demonstrated that the labial palps are olfactory organs that respond to both CO2 and other volatile compounds. Our work established a foundation for further study of the roles of labial palps in insect olfactory related behaviors. Further investigations on the function of labial palps and their biological roles together with CO2 and volatile compound responses in S. frugiperda are necessary, as they may provide better insect behavioral regulators for controlling this pest.

In Vitro Regeneration of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Genotypes under Salt Stress Condition

Salinity is a major problem affecting crop production all over the world. Excessive soil salinity can reduce the productivity of many agricultural crops including many vegetables and spices. Onion is one of the most important spices in the Asiatic region which is now in high demand. The experiment was conducted to observe in vitro regeneration of onion (Allium cepa L.) under salt stress condition from September 2016 to July 2017. The experiment was conducted as two factorial (genotype and treatment) Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replications for each treatment. Shoot tip segments of three genotypes namely Faridpuri, Taherpuri and Pusa red (Indian) were cultured in MS (Murashige and skoog, 1962) media supplemented with 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM NaCl. The genotype Faridpuri gave maximum salt tolerance upto 100 mM salinity level with 10.60 cm shoot length and 1.94 cm root length having the highest relative shoot and root growth. Pusa red was found to be salinity sensitive genotype which showing lowest shoot length of 7.03 cm and root length of 0.96 cm at 100 mM NaCl treatment. However, Taherpuri was tolerant up to 100 mM salinity level with 8.14 cm shoot length and 1.25 cm root length. Both the highest fresh weight of root (54.77 mg) and dry weight of root (41.36 mg) was from the genotype Faridpuri with 25 mM NaCl treatment. However, a convenient in vitro regeneration protocol of onion genotypes under different salinity level has been developed and the genotype Faridpuri can be used for further investigation in field condition to evaluate its performance at various salinity levels.

First Expert Evaluation of a New Steerable Catheter in an Isolated Beating Heart

PurposeIn previous studies we developed two mechanical prototypes of steerable catheters: the Sigma, which uses joysticks to actuate two steerable tip segments, and the Epsilon, which has a handle that is an enlarged version of the tip. In this study, we present a first performance evaluation of the prototypes in the cardiac environment. The evaluation was carried out by an expert user, an electrophysiologist with over 20 years of experience, to obtain insight in clinically relevant factors.MethodsTwo experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, the Sigma was used in a passive beating heart setup connected to pumps with a saline solution and camera visualization, and compared with the expert’s past experience with conventional steerable catheters. In the second experiment, the Sigma was used in an active beating heart setup with blood perfusion through the coronary arteries and echo visualization, and compared with the Epsilon prototype. The prototype was evaluated through questionnaires on task performance, catheter usability, and workload. After each of the experiments, the catheter characteristics were evaluated via a survey and followed by an in-depth interview.Results & ConclusionsThe expert user found the passive beating heart setup to more successful than the active beating heart setup for the purpose of this experiment, with insightful visualization while the heart was in beating condition. The steerability of the prototypes was experienced as useful and clinically relevant. Based on the questionnaires and interview we were able to identify future design improvements and developments for the steerable catheter prototypes.

Towards 3D Ultrasound Guided Needle Steering Robust to Uncertainties, Noise, and Tissue Heterogeneity.

This paper presents a new solution for 3D steering of flexible needles guided by 3D B-mode ultrasound imaging. It aims to realize a robust steering, by accounting for uncertainties, noise and tissue heterogeneities, while limiting tissue-related disturbances. The proposed solution features interconnected state observer, automatic needle tip segmentation and path planning algorithms. Measurement quality, state uncertainties and tissue heterogeneity are considered for robust needle steering with helical paths of variable curvature. Fast replanning allows for adaptability to unexpected disturbances. An experimental validation has been done through 62 insertions of 24 Gauge bevel-tip nitinol needles in various tissue. Results are promising, characterized by mean targeting errors of less than 1 mm in homogeneous phantoms, 1.5 ± 0.9 mm in heterogeneous phantoms and 1.7 ± 0.8 mm in ex-vivo tissue. This new approach is a step towards a precise and robust patient-specific gesture.

Microbiological and scanning electron microscopic evaluation of epidural catheters

BackgroundEpidural catheters are frequently colonized by gram-positive bacteria. Although the incidence of associated epidural infections is low, their consequences can be devastating. We investigated bacterial growth on epidural catheters by...

IN VITRO SHOOT REGENERATION OF SWALLOW ROOT (DECALEPIS HAMILTONII) – A STENO-ENDEMIC RED LISTED MEDICINAL PLANT

Objective: In vitro shoot regeneration of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight and Arn. is an endangered endemic medicinal plant using biotechnological interventions and to conserve this threatened species.
 Methods: In the present study, various explants such as shoot tip, leaf, and nodal segments were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog media augmented with different hormonal regimes of auxin and cytokinin combinations, namely, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), benzyl adenine (BAP), 6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP), and triacontanol (TRIA).
 Results: Direct regeneration of shoots obtained in 3.0 mg/l 2iP alone and in combination with 0.1 mg/l IAA and/or 1.0 mg/l BAP exhibited the best response with average shootlet length being 6.5±0.17–8.0±0.92 cm, respectively, and percentage response was between 68% and 75%. The callus induced regeneration was obtained from both nodal and leaf explants with maximum response (85%) observed in combination of (2.0 mg/l) 2iP, (1.0 mg/l) IAA and (2.0 mg/l) kinetin with multiple shoots showing mean shoot number of 1.83 and average shootlet length of 6.3±0.19 cm.
 Conclusions: The current research provides a competent in vitro propagation method for Decalepis which could be commercialized for developing identical plants with good mass multiplication rate and for better conservation of the germplasm.

A study on tooth profile modification of cycloid planetary gear drives with tooth number difference of two

In the previous study, the authors showed the results that the cycloid gear pair with tooth number difference of two does not only increase the contact ratio and decrease the maximum shared load of the individual contact tooth pair, but also reduce the bearing loads of the cranks slightly. However, stress concentration occurs on the tip segment of cycloid teeth, if no suitable flank modification is available. The aim of the paper is to propose a new design approach for flank modification of cycloid profile to improve the contact characteristics. Besides the conventional methods for flank modification, i.e. equidistant offset and shifting offset modification, a new flank modification with multiple variables, so-called free profile modification, is proposed in the paper. Only the cycloid planetary stage with two cycloid discs are considered in the study to simplify the analysis. Two analysis approaches, tooth contact analysis and loaded tooth contact analysis, are developed for evaluation of the modified profile accordingly. A method based on the geometrical property of cycloid profile, named “tracing circle method”, is employed to determine exactly the contact points and the other kinematic characteristics of drives. The developed LTCA approach based on the influence coefficient method is used to calculate the contact stress of the modified cycloid tooth pair with considering the stiffness of supporting bearings and the influence of the eccentric error of the cycloid disc. The variation of shared load, the contact stress, the bearing load and the torque distribution are analysed in the paper to evaluate the various flank modification methods. Some useful design guidelines, summarized from the systematic analysis results, are also given in the paper.

Effect of wing fold angles on the terminal descent velocity of double-winged autorotating seeds, fruits, and other diaspores.

Wind dispersal of seeds is an essential mechanism for plants to proliferate and to invade new territories. In this paper we present a methodology used in our recent work [Rabault, Fauli, and Carlson, Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 024501 (2019PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.122.024501)] that combines 3D printing, a minimal theoretical model, and experiments to determine how the curvature along the length of the wings of autorotating seeds, fruits, and other diaspores provides them with an optimal wind dispersion potential, i.e., minimal terminal descent velocity. Experiments are performed on 3D-printed double-winged synthetic fruits for a wide range of wing fold angles (obtained from normalized curvature along the wing length), base wing angles, and wing loadings to determine how these affect the flight. Our experimental and theoretical models find an optimal wing fold angle that minimizes the descent velocity, where the curved wings must be sufficiently long to have horizontal segments, but also sufficiently short to ensure that their tip segments are primarily aligned along the horizontal direction. The curved shape of the wings of double winged autorotating diaspores may be an important parameter that improves the fitness of these plants in an ecological strategy.