ECCOMAS 2024

Aereodynamics of Bioinspired Flying Seeds

  • Lolli, Alberto (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna)
  • Corsi, Giovanni (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna)
  • DeSimone, Antonio (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna)

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This study explores the aerodynamics of seeds, specifically inspired by the design of the samara seed. The research employs a computational framework composed by a Python code validated with Ansys Fluent. An emphasis is placed on the autorotational motion of these engineered seeds, crucial for the development of micro aerial vehicles. The investigation begins with a focus on the constrained dynamics of a seed inspired by the samara, considering variations in aerodynamic performance in function of a geometrical parameter, the coning angle. The optimal configuration is determined for 2 degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) motion, and subsequent simulations examine interactions between multiple wings. The study concludes with the proposal of a new seed design featuring additional wings for enhanced payload capacity in pollutant-detecting devices, comparing its 2 d.o.f. motion with a single-wing configuration. This research provides insights into the complex dynamics of seed autorotation, offering valuable information for the development of innovative autonomous flying seeds for environmental exploration.