Design of a biomimetic wing from maple samara and investigation of the aerodynamic performance.

This article focuses on the development and aerodynamic evaluation of a biomimetic wing model inspired by the geometric structure of maple samaras. Using mathematical modeling based on Fourier series expansions, the researchers transferred the three-dimensional morphology of maple samaras into a virtual environment to create an analytically defined wing design, which was then fabricated via 3D printing. Experimental wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations showed that the samara-inspired wing exhibits symmetrical lift and drag characteristics at positive and negative angles of attack, with a notably high stall angle between 40° and 45°, surpassing conventional wing stall angles. The study also identified vortex formations within the wing’s surface indentations that contribute to lift generation and stall delay, suggesting potential applications of this biomimetic design in wind turbine blades and other aerodynamic devices.