Wingtip feathers increase aerodynamic efficiency: flying birds

1 of 4 Northern Hawk Owl / Alan D. Wils.. / License

Wingtip feathers in birds are aerodynamically efficient because of their torsional flexibility.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Improved airline wingtips, exceptionally efficient small planes for transporting goods or people locally.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Nature, by contrast, takes a less disdainful attitude toward torsion--in some applications adequate resistance matters, but in many others function depends on having sufficient torsional flexibility. A bird's wingtip feathers must twist in one direction during the upstroke of the wings and in the other direction during the downstroke to keep the local wind striking the wing at an appropriate angle to generate lift and thrust…The turning could be done at the base, with a completely inflexible feather; the aerodynamics are improved and material saved if the local flow forces twist the feather by just the right amount." (Vogel 2003:382)

About the inspiring organism

Aves
Aves

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Improved airline wingtips, exceptionally efficient small planes for transporting goods or people locally.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Aviation

References

Steven Vogel. 2003. Comparative Biomechanics: Life's Physical World. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 580 p.

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Daedalum
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Location: SALON DE PROVENCE, France

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Thanks to Duarte Miguel Prazeres for adding photos to this strategy.

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