Development of innovative deployable structures based on Beetle wing folding/unfolding mechanisms

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26870125
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Intelligent mechanics/Mechanical systems; Aerospace engineering
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Saito Kazuya 東京大学, 生産技術研究所, 助教 (40628723)
• Research Collaborator: Nomura Shuhei 国立科学博物館, 研究主幹 ; Maruyama Munetoshi 九州大学, 総合研究博物館, 助教 ; Yamamoto Shuhei 九州大学, 総合研究博物館, 協力研究員 ; Tachi Tomohiro 東京大学, 大学院総合文化研究科
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 生物模倣工学 / 昆虫 / 折紙 / 宇宙展開構造 / スマート構造

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study developed the new observing methods for wing folding/unfolding techniques in insects by using high-speed cameras and the 3D measuring systems. Based on these techniques, wing folding/unfolding mechanisms in a rove beetle and a ladybird beetle were clarified. This study also used the origami geometry and proposed the geometric model to explain the wing transformation mechanisms from the point of view of the elastic deformation. By applying these achievements, the generalized crease patterns that can be used in the design of the deployable structures were proposed. From an engineering standpoint, these wings have an interesting property: they can achieve compact storing without compromising the strength and stiffness of the wing structure. These finding constitutes an indispensable initial foothold to apply above excellent properties in artificial structures.

Free Research Field

航空宇宙工学